Your Scrumhalf Connection by Young Schmidtke Consulting
Your Scrumhalf Connection (YSCRugby) was launched in 2006 as West Rugby Blog with the aim of sharing women’s rugby news within the United States. In 2009, we underwent a rebranding exercise and expanded our coverage globally to include major international women’s competitions such as the Rugby World Cup, Olympics, World Rugby Sevens Series, World Rugby Sevens Series Challenge Tournament, Six Nations, and European Championships.
In addition to covering international tournaments, we also provide in-depth coverage of various domestic tournaments from different parts of the world. Our coverage includes but is not limited to USA’s Women’s Premier League (WPL), England’s Allianz Premiership, the French Elite 1, New Zealand’s Dr. Farah Palmer Cup, New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aupiki, Ireland’s Energia All Ireland League (AIL), Ireland’s Interpros, Wales’ Admiral Premiership, Scotland’s Tennent’s Premiership, Nan Fung | SEWIT Hong Kong Premiership, Spain’s Iberdrola League, the Kenya Cup, Australia’s Super W, South Africa’s Premier Division, Italy’s Excellence Championship, the Uganda Cup, and the Africa Cup.
Wendy Young
Wendy Young is the mastermind behind Your Scrumhalf Connection and has been championing rugby since she found the sport in 2001. Her rugby journey kicked off at the University of Oklahoma, leading her to play for the Austin Valkyries and various select sides until she retired in 2019. Wendy was part of the USA Eagle pool from 2006 to 2009, and in 2009, she suited up against Canada in a non-test match—part of the squad that secured a win over Canada for the first time in over a decade. She was also named a non-traveling reserve for the USA Eagles at the 2010 Rugby World Cup.
Still lacing up her boots, Wendy took on refereeing in 2008 and climbed the ranks to B Panel status. In 2014, she became a referee coach and, in 2018, became the first referee from Texas to join the WPL Referee Panel. Wendy retired from refereeing in 2019 but continued as a referee coach for both the WPL and MLR until 2024.
Coaching is also part of Wendy’s rugby DNA—she’s coached teams like the University of Texas, Texas A&M, the Austin Valkyries, and various select sides with the West Rugby Union.
Since 2009, Wendy has been in rugby administration with USA Rugby and the Texas Rugby Union. Her dedication to the sport earned her a spot in the Oklahoma Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Texas Rugby Union Hall of Fame in 2020.
Wendy’s been behind the mic as a commentator since 2011. In 2023, she made history as the first female play-by-play commentator for Major League Rugby and joined the league’s first all-women broadcast team on March 18, 2023. She hit another milestone in 2024, joining the World Rugby Broadcast team.
Her dedication to the sport earned her spots in three Hall of Fames: the University of Oklahoma Rugby Hall of Fame (2014), the Texas Rugby Referee Association Hall of Fame (2019), and the Texas Rugby Union Hall of Fame (2020).
E: wendy@scrumhalfconnection.com
M: 512-968-8996
Traci Young
Traci’s lifelong journey as a sports athlete encompasses achievements in basketball, attaining a Black belt in Taekwondo, and discovering rugby at Texas A&M University in 2001. Demonstrating a natural affinity for the sport, she passionately played until her retirement in 2012 with the Austin Valkyries. Throughout her playing career, Traci consistently assumed leadership roles, serving as the President, Treasurer, and Captain for various clubs. In addition to her club involvement, Traci also showcased her talents on various select sides and was capped for the USA Rugby Junior National Team. With YSC, she takes on a more understated role but remains a guiding force, supporting Wendy’s wild ideas. A silent partner, yet always the beacon, Traci channels her love for women’s rugby into worldwide travels, bringing you the latest news in the sport.
E: traci@scrumhalfconnection.com
About Young Schmidtke Consulting
Young Schmidtke Consulting, established in 2024, is a dynamic Limited Liability Company formed through a partnership between Wendy and Traci Young. Specializing in sports and business consulting, our organization is dedicated to providing expert services across a wide spectrum of sports, with a particular emphasis on rugby. Wendy and Traci bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, combining their passion for sports with strategic business insights. Young Schmidtke Consulting is poised to assist clients in navigating the intricate intersection of athletics and commerce, offering tailored solutions to drive success in the dynamic world of sports and business.
