England hammer Italy despite early Beckett red card
England kicked off their Women's Six Nations title defence with an eight-try 48-0 trouncing of Italy in Parma despite having Sarah Beckett sent off after just 11 minutes.
Abbie Ward Sport News
Ward can help drive England to fifth consecutive Six Nations, says Cleall
Abbie Ward's newfound influence away from the pitch can steer England to a fifth consecutive TikTok Women's Six Nations title, according to Red Roses teammate Poppy Cleall. The 29-year-old Bristol Bears lock revealed she would not be in contention for the 2023 TikTok Women's Six Nations after falling pregnant in late January, and has instead been named as part of Simon Middleton's coaching set up for the Championship in a bid to get more women within backroom staff.
England injuries give nine uncapped players Women’s Six Nations chance
England have named nine uncapped players and recalled the experienced Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt to their reshuffled squad for the forthcoming TikTok Six Nations championship. Injuries and unavailability have ruled out several members of last year’s World Cup squad, forcing the Red Roses head coach Simon Middleton to cast his selectorial net slightly wider.
RFU’s new England maternity policy provides 26 weeks of leave on full pay
England players contracted to the Rugby Football Union will benefit from a new maternity policy that includes 26 weeks of leave on full pay. Also included in the “maternity, pregnant parent and adoption leave policy” is the capacity for pregnant players to perform other roles within rugby until they begin maternity leave.
England women's players to receive maternity cover
:The Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced a new maternity leave policy on Thursday, entitling contracted England women's players to 26 weeks of fully paid leave and funds for children under a year old to travel with them to games.
Contracted England women's players to receive maternity cover
Players contracted to England's women's rugby team will be entitled to fully paid maternity leave for 26 weeks as part of a new policy announced by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Rugby Players' Association (RPA) on Thursday.
Ireland star beats SA's Am to scoop World Rugby Player of the Year accolade
Ireland flanker Josh van der Flier was named men's World Rugby Player of the Year on Sunday after helping his country to a first series away win in New Zealand and to the top of the global rankings.
Rowland, Botterman to miss England's World Cup final against New Zealand
England will be without fullback Helena Rowland and prop Hannah Botterman due to injuries for Saturday's women's Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland.