WXV 3: Spain on the verge of World Cup qualification
Spain need only two points from their final match in WXV 3 2024 to secure their place at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, having ma…
Martyn Thomas
05 Oct 2024, 17:59
Contributors
Martyn Thomas
@mcthomassport
A journalist, editor and author who is never happier than when talking to players, coaches and those involved in the game. Martyn has covered rugby since 2009 and is the author of World In Their Hands, which tells the story of the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup.
RFU reveal latest plans to raise revenue at Allianz Stadium
The Rugby Football Union has taken further steps to increase year-round revenue at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham by launching a publ…
Martyn Thomas
07 Oct 2024, 5:35
Former All Black tips Hoskins Sotutu for international switch after latest snub
Akira Ioane has added his name to the list of rugby luminaries tipping Blues No8 Hoskins Sotutu for a sensational international sw…
Martyn Thomas
07 Oct 2024, 8:00
England make announcement on Kevin Sinfield future
England and Steve Borthwick have received some good news on the coaching front with confirmation that Kevin Sinfield has signed a …
Martyn Thomas
07 Oct 2024, 7:52
Belinda Moore to step down from Premiership Women's Rugby role
Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) chief executive Belinda Moore will leave the organisation later this month, having resigned in o…
Martyn Thomas
08 Oct 2024, 11:52
WXV: World Cup tickets and silverware up for grabs in final round
As the teams prepare to chase glory and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 qualification, we take a look at the permutations facing al…
Analysis
Martyn Thomas
09 Oct 2024, 4:27
WXV: Trio drafted in for Ireland’s meeting with Women’s Eagles
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has made three changes to his starting line-up for their final WXV 1 assignment, against USA in Va…
Martyn Thomas
09 Oct 2024, 16:11
WXV 3: Samoa and Madagascar ring the changes ahead of final round
Heading into the final round of WXV 3, Spain lead the way in the race for both the title and one of the two tickets to Women’s R…
Martyn Thomas
09 Oct 2024, 17:02
WXV 2: Final round team news as Rollie to win 70th cap in title decider
The destination of the WXV 2 2024 title will be decided at the end of the third and final round this weekend. Get all the team new…
Martyn Thomas
10 Oct 2024, 9:15
Abby Dow to sit out England's WXV 1 decider
John Mitchell has made three changes to his starting line-up for England’s WXV 1 title decider against Canada, with Abby Dow rul…
Martyn Thomas
10 Oct 2024, 11:33
‘Need for simplicity’: World Rugby to tweak WXV post-Women’s RWC 2025
On the eve of WXV 2024 World Rugby has said the competition “will evolve and change” before it returns in 2026, with an announ…
Martyn Thomas
25 Sep 2024, 5:00
Paris 2024 stars boost Canada’s WXV 1 challenge
Six members of the Canada squad that secured a sevens silver medal at Paris 2024 will be part of the country’s push for WXV 1 gl…
Martyn Thomas
23 Sep 2024, 11:48
'Still light at the end of the tunnel’ – John Mitchell on Poppy Cleall's England future
England coach John Mitchell says Poppy Cleall has “every opportunity” to play at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 but must rise …
Martyn Thomas
19 Sep 2024, 15:24
Wales and Australia attempt to change narrative in Newport as WXV looms
Wales and Australia each head to Rodney Parade on Friday night in desperate need of a victory to generate some momentum going into…
Martyn Thomas
19 Sep 2024, 9:45
Harlequins housemates become rivals as Wales host Australia
Australia second row Kaitlan Leaney insists it will be “all serious” in Newport on Friday as she prepares to play against her …
Martyn Thomas
18 Sep 2024, 15:53
Helena Rowland: ‘I thought I was invincible… turns out that’s not true!’
England playmaker Helena Rowland says she has grown on and off the pitch during two injury-interrupted years, and is now ready to …
Exclusive
Martyn Thomas
18 Sep 2024, 15:00
Ireland receive WXV 1 injury boost but experienced prop is ruled out
Sadhbh McGrath has been passed fit to take part in Ireland’s inaugural WXV 1 campaign, but head coach Scott Bemand will be witho…
Martyn Thomas
17 Sep 2024, 7:03
Italy star to miss WXV 2 in South Africa through injury
Italy will be without the prolific Alyssa D’Inca as they attempt to go one better than last year and win WXV 2 in South Africa.
Martyn Thomas
16 Sep 2024, 11:16
Wales name WXV 2 squad as Olympic duo make the cut
Olympians Jasmine Joyce and Kayleigh Powell have been included in the Wales squad for WXV 2 in South Africa.
Martyn Thomas
16 Sep 2024, 10:00
'He could just be normal': Black Ferns star discusses King Charles hug
New Zealand star Katelyn Vahaakolo joked that King Charles III “really needed that hug” as she detailed the moment the Black F…
Martyn Thomas
14 Sep 2024, 18:20
England sluggish, Matthews and Leti-I'iga bring energy to Allianz Stadium
The Red Roses might have racked up their 17th successive victory but there is much to work on after the latest win against the Bla…
Opinion
Martyn Thomas
14 Sep 2024, 16:12
Nicky Ponsford earns landmark role at World Rugby
Nicky Ponsford has been named World Rugby’s new Director of High Performance, becoming the first woman to hold such a role at th…
Martyn Thomas
13 Sep 2024, 4:30
‘It’s going to be very special’: Hannah King to play in front of parents at Allianz Stadium
Growing up on her family farm in rural New Zealand, Hannah King’s father would regale her with stories of the stadium he most wa…
Martyn Thomas
12 Sep 2024, 14:20
England legend Emily Scarratt to join exclusive club against New Zealand
Emily Scarratt will become only the third woman to make 100 Test starts for England when the Red Roses welcome the Black Ferns to …
Martyn Thomas
12 Sep 2024, 12:00
‘A lot of us still feel the hurt’: The pain driving ‘underdog’ Black Ferns
Teams representing New Zealand are not used to starting rugby matches as underdogs, wherever they are staged or whatever the conte…
Martyn Thomas
10 Sep 2024, 15:24
Where Sarah Hunter believes England can improve against the Black Ferns
England defence coach Sarah Hunter admitted the Red Roses have “areas to work on” as they prepare to take on the world champio…
Martyn Thomas
10 Sep 2024, 4:25
France hand keys to young fly-half, Cyrielle Banet returns to face England
France fly-half Lina Tuy will make her first Test start in Gloucester on Saturday as part of a new-look half-back partnership for …
Martyn Thomas
05 Sep 2024, 16:28
‘Where I’m meant to be’: Maddie ‘The Baddy' Feaunati enjoying England homecoming
Maddie Feaunati will take the next step on her increasingly meteoric entrance to Test rugby at Kingsholm on Saturday when she star…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
05 Sep 2024, 15:00
John Mitchell hands Exeter flanker first England start as stalwart returns
Maddie Feaunati will make her full England debut against France on Saturday as Helena Rowland returns to the Red Roses line-up for…
Martyn Thomas
05 Sep 2024, 12:00
What to watch in men’s rugby: Race for Pacific Nations Cup title heats up
The Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup headlines a busy weekend of men’s action on RugbyPass TV as the Rugby Europe Super Cup a…
Martyn Thomas
05 Sep 2024, 7:23
Tatyana Heard confident England can cope with ‘massive’ midfield loss
Tatyana Heard believes England can cover for the “massive loss” of centre partner Megan Jones as the Red Roses prepare to face…
Martyn Thomas
04 Sep 2024, 5:18
Why Maud Muir is happy to provide impact as England's super-sub
England prop Maud Muir is delighted to have fellow tighthead Sarah Bern back in the Red Roses squad, saying the pair’s “amicab…
Martyn Thomas
03 Sep 2024, 12:13
England announce historic Red Roses partnership
The Rugby Football Union has announced Crew Clothing as the official formalwear outfitter of the Red Roses, the first such partner…
Martyn Thomas
03 Sep 2024, 3:00
France captain Manaé Feleu eyes World Cup glory
Manaé Feleu has come a long way, both figuratively and literally, in the past couple of years but if the France captain gets her …
Interview
Martyn Thomas
22 Aug 2024, 5:00
What to watch in women’s rugby: All to play for as Japan host USA
Following last weekend’s dramatic draw in Kitakyushu, both teams head into the second and final Test of USA’s tour of Japan wi…
Martyn Thomas
15 Aug 2024, 9:30
How the US rugby community helped ex-coach Mike Tolkin find a new liver
The former Eagles head coach found, in a fellow rugby enthusiast, a healthy living donor.
FEATURE
Martyn Thomas
15 Aug 2024, 15:26
PWR fixtures revealed as Gloucester-Hartpury start title defence against Leicester Tigers
Gloucester-Hartpury will begin their quest for a third successive Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) title against Leicester Tigers…
Martyn Thomas
14 Aug 2024, 6:53
John Mitchell: Why England’s autumn is ‘harder than a World Cup’
England coach John Mitchell believes his side will face a tougher run of fixtures over the next two months than at next year’s W…
Martyn Thomas
14 Aug 2024, 14:49
Japan draw proves costly as USA slip down rankings
USA slipped two places to ninth in the latest World Rugby Women’s Rankings following a dramatic 17-17 draw with Japan in Kitakyu…
Martyn Thomas
12 Aug 2024, 9:40
All Blacks, Scotland lose out due to Argentina’s Rugby Championship heroics
Argentina’s reward for their thrilling victory against the All Blacks in Wellington is a one-place rise in the latest World Rugb…
Martyn Thomas
12 Aug 2024, 6:25
Everything you need to know about The Rugby Championship law variations
On the eve of The Rugby Championship, World Rugby has released a series of videos designed to give fans greater understanding of t…
Martyn Thomas
07 Aug 2024, 10:19
‘I'll never be able to repay Gary’: RWC heroines take on challenge for Street
A decade to the day that they started their quest for glory in France, England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 winners will beg…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
31 Jul 2024, 7:12
New Zealand retain women’s Olympic Sevens gold, USA claim bronze
New Zealand claimed a second successive women’s Olympic sevens gold medal following a pulsating 19-12 victory against Canada at …
Martyn Thomas
30 Jul 2024, 14:16
Abi Burton makes Olympic comeback as Amy Wilson Hardy withdrawn
Abi Burton made her return to the Olympic Games as Great Britain lost to China, just two years after she was put into an induced c…
Martyn Thomas
30 Jul 2024, 10:58
Canada upset Australia to end Rio 2016 champions' gold medal hopes
Canada are guaranteed at least a silver medal at Paris 2024 after they beat Australia 21-12 to set up a women’s gold medal match…
Martyn Thomas
30 Jul 2024, 10:35
Sarah McKenna earns England recall as Red Roses begin WXV preparation
Sarah McKenna has received her first England call-up under John Mitchell as part of a training squad that contains eight uncapped …
Martyn Thomas
29 Jul 2024, 9:48
Women's Olympic Sevens quarter-final line-up decided as Ireland squeak through
Canada, Great Britain, Ireland and China secured their place in the medal quarter-finals alongside defending champions New Zealand…
Martyn Thomas
29 Jul 2024, 10:51
Canada break French hearts as women’s Olympic Sevens semi-finals confirmed
French hopes of a golden Olympic double were extinguished on Monday as they suffered an agonising 19-14 defeat to Canada in the wo…
Martyn Thomas
29 Jul 2024, 17:06
What to watch in men’s rugby: Namibia out to defend African title
Namibia will continue their Rugby Africa Cup title defence in Kampala this week and you can find out whether the Welwitschias can …
Martyn Thomas
23 Jul 2024, 13:32
What to watch in women’s rugby: Can Wales stop Canada in Quad Series?
Canada will aim for a Transatlantic Quad Series clean sweep when they take on Wales in Cardiff on Wednesday. Watch it live and for…
Martyn Thomas
23 Jul 2024, 11:51
What to watch in women’s rugby: England, Wales join Quad Series
Hosts Wales and England enter the fray as the Transatlantic Quad Series moves south from Ystrad Mynach to Cardiff for Friday’s s…
Martyn Thomas
18 Jul 2024, 6:31
‘We love teams that challenge us’: Sadia Kabeya excited to experience WXV
Having sat out the inaugural WXV 1 through injury, England star Sadia Kabeya is looking forward to renewing rivalries with Canada …
Exclusive
Martyn Thomas
17 Jul 2024, 11:01
Full WXV 2024 match schedule unveiled by World Rugby
WXV 2024 will conclude with a blockbuster meeting between the current Guinness Women’s Six Nations and World Rugby Pacific Four …
Martyn Thomas
16 Jul 2024, 9:00
What to watch in men's rugby: U20 Championship, Trophy finals
Silverware is up for grabs in Edinburgh and Cape Town this week as the World Rugby U20 Championship and Trophy reach their conclus…
Martyn Thomas
16 Jul 2024, 15:27
‘We want to get to know them’: How bold personalities can drive WXV forward
The addition of new teams, personalities and storylines will help power the development of women’s rugby and WXV in its second y…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
16 Jul 2024, 9:51
What to watch in women’s rugby: Quad Series to showcase rising stars
RugbyPass TV viewers will have an opportunity to glimpse the next generation of women’s talent over the coming fortnight as the …
Martyn Thomas
11 Jul 2024, 8:48
Young England stars told they must ‘nail basics’ to overcome France
England U20 Women No.8 Steph Else has urged her teammates to concentrate on their “discipline and just nailing our basics” as …
Interview
Martyn Thomas
12 Jul 2024, 12:00
What to watch in men's rugby: U20 Championship, Trophy races heat up
It is another busy week of international action on RugbyPass TV as the World Rugby U20 Championship and World Rugby U20 Trophy con…
Martyn Thomas
08 Jul 2024, 11:48
Avenging painful France defeat would cap phenomenal season for Steph Else
If there was a blot on Steph Else’s pristine 2023-24 copybook, then it came on a chastening April evening in Rouen. She is confi…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
10 Jul 2024, 11:59
'I need to get better': Emma Sing using England snub as motivation for PWR final
The Gloucester-Hartpury full-back talks to RugbyPass about the impact of losing her England contract and how she bounced back to h…
Exclusive
Martyn Thomas
20 Jun 2024, 11:34
Harlequins sign trio of international forwards
Harlequins have announced a hat-trick of international signings ahead of the 2024-25 Premiership Women’s Rugby season.
Martyn Thomas
04 Jul 2024, 11:39
‘You’ve got to block out the noise’: Emma Sing reveals secrets of kicking success
The Premiership Women's Rugby top points scorer lifts the lid on her routine, competitive training sessions and which kicker she l…
Exclusive
Martyn Thomas
04 Jul 2024, 4:59
Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan ruled out with 'significant knee injury'
The Gloucester-Hartpury second row looks set to miss WXV 1 after being ruled out for an “extended period” with the knee injury…
Martyn Thomas
01 Jul 2024, 11:00
Reneeqa Bonner preparing for last dance with England U20s
The Bristol Bears winger is hoping to build on an impressive PWR season and help England to success at the inaugural Six Nations W…
Exclusive
Martyn Thomas
03 Jul 2024, 15:33
Brazil make history to qualify for Women's Rugby World Cup 2025
As Yaras will make their Women's Rugby World Cup debut in England next year after a commanding performance in Luque, in which they…
Martyn Thomas
29 Jun 2024, 18:04
What to watch in men’s rugby: U20 Trophy kicks off as Championship continues
We stand at the start of another huge week of international age-grade rugby, and you can watch it all live and for free on RugbyPa…
Martyn Thomas
01 Jul 2024, 12:20
Carys Cox inspires Wales to WXV play-off victory against Spain
Wales ran in five unanswered tries in a stunning second-half performance at Cardiff Arms Park to surge to WXV 2 2024 and Women's R…
Martyn Thomas
29 Jun 2024, 15:53
New series shows England ‘fighting for each other’ in U20 Championship quest
New five-part RugbyPass TV series Embedded takes you behind the scenes of the England camp as they bid to win the World Rugby U20 …
Martyn Thomas
27 Jun 2024, 14:53
Wales centre Kerin Lake to reach half century in WXV play-off against Spain
Kerin Lake will win her 50th Test cap when Wales take on Spain in their WXV play-off at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday.
Martyn Thomas
27 Jun 2024, 7:53
'Women's RWC 2025 is our dream': Spain's Laura Delgado ready for Wales play-off
The Gloucester-Hartpury prop looks ahead to Saturday's WXV play-off in Cardiff, the importance of Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 qua…
Exclusive
Martyn Thomas
27 Jun 2024, 3:52
England star Meg Jones named first-ever Premiership Women's Rugby Player of the Season
Leicester Tigers and England playmaker Meg Jones has scooped the inaugural Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) Player of the Season …
Martyn Thomas
26 Jun 2024, 16:53
What to watch in men’s rugby: Young stars ready to shine at U20 Championship
The race to become World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 winners will get underway in Cape Town this Saturday, and you can watch all t…
Martyn Thomas
26 Jun 2024, 15:32
Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 will 'build towards' Twickenham showpiece
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 organisers believe the spread of matches during the tournament will provide an opportunity to “at…
Martyn Thomas
25 Jun 2024, 7:24
Hard work pays off as China claim final Olympic ticket
Chen Keyi joked her China team-mates needed a “holiday” after they became the 12th and final women’s team to secure Olympic …
Martyn Thomas
24 Jun 2024, 5:28
PWR final: Sarah Beckett, Bethan Lewis lead way, Circus stay calm to retain crown
As dejected Bristol Bears co-captain Amber Reed admitted as she reflected on what might have been at Sandy Park, the 2024 Premiers…
Opinion
Martyn Thomas
22 Jun 2024, 15:17
'Sevens is a fickle game': Monaco favourites China taking nothing for granted
Sir Gordon Tietjens believes China will start the women’s tournament at the World Rugby Sevens Repechage on Friday with a target…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
20 Jun 2024, 15:24
What to watch in women's rugby: PWR final, Olympic repechage
All eyes will be on Exeter and Monaco this weekend as the races for both the Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) title and P…
Martyn Thomas
20 Jun 2024, 6:41
What to watch in men’s rugby: England reunion in Japan, race to Paris 2024
It promises to be an enthralling weekend of rugby as the Test window opens, Asian bragging rights are decided and the final ticket…
Martyn Thomas
19 Jun 2024, 8:02
Sam Whitelock to lead experienced Babarians squad against Fiji
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner will captain a Barbarian side packed with international caps in their Killik Cup clash with Fi…
Martyn Thomas
18 Jun 2024, 6:47
Ex-England forward Harriet Millar-Mills signs for Harlequins
Harlequins have completed the signing of former England forward Harriet Millar-Mills ahead of the 2024-25 Premiership Women’s Ru…
Martyn Thomas
17 Jun 2024, 10:05
New PWR season condensed to aid England's World Cup bid
The conclusion of the 2024-25 Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) season has been brought forward by more than three months, in a mo…
Martyn Thomas
18 Jun 2024, 8:54
Bristol Bears confident despite starting PWR semi-final as ‘massive underdogs’
If the noises emanating from the Bristol Bears camp this week are anything to go by then the Premiership Women’s Rugby [PWR] rec…
Martyn Thomas
06 Jun 2024, 11:22
Maddie Feaunati, Liz Crake awarded full-time England contracts
Exeter Chiefs flanker Maddie Feaunati and Trailfinders Women prop Liz Crake have both earned full-time England contracts for the 2…
Martyn Thomas
03 Jun 2024, 5:43
What to watch in women’s rugby: Top four hunt PWR glory
Nine teams have been whittled down to just four in the race to become Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) champions.
Martyn Thomas
06 Jun 2024, 6:43
What to watch in men’s rugby: Hong Kong China, Korea chase Asian crown
Continental bragging rights are up for grabs in Asia, while a new generation of sevens stars will get an opportunity to shine in L…
Martyn Thomas
05 Jun 2024, 11:14
David Pocock: ‘Climate change is an existential threat to the game we love’
Australia legend David Pocock has warned that “no part of our sport will remain untouched” as World Rugby published what it de…
Martyn Thomas
05 Jun 2024, 5:26
Alex Matthews: 'Letting dad be a part of it all, that’s what means most'
The RPA England Women’s Player of the Year opens up about her stellar season and celebrating her achievements following her fath…
Exclusive
Martyn Thomas
30 May 2024, 4:03
What to watch in women’s rugby: England 2025 qualification, SVNS silverware on the line
It’s another busy week on RugbyPass TV, where Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 qualification and HSBC SVNS 2024 glory will be deci…
Martyn Thomas
28 May 2024, 17:00
'I think I’ve gained their trust': Saracens starlet Amelia MacDougall on breakout season
The England U20 playmaker caught up with RugbyPass to discuss her debut campaign in Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby, learning fr…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
28 May 2024, 11:03
What to watch in women's rugby: Road to England 2025 continues
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 qualification will be decided across three competitions over the next 10 days and you can watch the…
Martyn Thomas
23 May 2024, 6:45
What to watch in men’s rugby: Titles to be decided in Tokyo and London
Silverware will be handed out in Tokyo and London this weekend, and RugbyPass TV will be there every step of the way.
Martyn Thomas
22 May 2024, 11:25
China wrap up overall women's Challenger title in Krakow
China made it three tournament wins from three on the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 as Argentina, Belgium and Poland boo…
Martyn Thomas
19 May 2024, 16:25
Belgium ready to take final step in women's Sevens Challenger
Emiel Vermote's side head into the final round of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 third in the standings and with thei…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
17 May 2024, 4:00
What to watch in women’s rugby: Pacific Four Series, PWR and Sevens Challenger
The stakes could not be higher this weekend as teams jostle for position and qualification races are run from Krakow to Melbourne.…
Martyn Thomas
16 May 2024, 7:07
South Africa secure return to ‘big stage’ of Women’s Rugby World Cup
Springbok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi believes Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 qualification can help catapult the side into the…
Martyn Thomas
13 May 2024, 4:02
What to watch in women’s rugby: Pacific Four Series, PWR and more
It promises to be a busy weekend of women’s rugby on both the domestic and international front, and you can watch it unfold with…
Martyn Thomas
09 May 2024, 10:37
Ireland to prepare for WXV 1 debut with Australia Test in Belfast
Ireland Women will warm up for their first taste of WXV 1 with a Test against Australia at Kingspan Stadium this September.
Martyn Thomas
02 May 2024, 6:56
Women's Elite Rugby tipped to have big impact on USA
USA women head coach Sione Fukofuka believes the introduction of a professional league in the country can play a huge role in maki…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
01 May 2024, 5:26
Red Roses doing their bit to fill Twickenham's green seats
England coach John Mitchell has made no secret of his desire to watch his players run out at a full house in south-west London and…
Opinion
Martyn Thomas
23 Apr 2024, 7:43
Scott Bemand: 'Shell-shocked' Ireland will learn from England defeat
Ireland coach Bemand admitted Ireland were “a bit shell-shocked” during their 88-10 defeat to England at Twickenham but he ins…
Martyn Thomas
20 Apr 2024, 13:22
Rampant England seal dominant Ireland win at Twickenham
The Red Roses will head to Bordeaux next weekend with their sights set firmly on a Grand Slam following a commanding 88-10 victory…
Martyn Thomas
20 Apr 2024, 11:13
Alyssa D'Inca: 'It's better to be last of the best than first of the second'
Ahead of Scotland's trip to Parma, the Italy winger outlines her desire to help the Azzurre finish in the Guinness Women's Six Nat…
Exclusive
Martyn Thomas
19 Apr 2024, 8:28
France overpower Italy to maintain Grand Slam hopes
France moved to within a point of England at the top of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations 2024 standings with a comfortable 38-15…
Martyn Thomas
14 Apr 2024, 9:39
Aoife Wafer: Ireland wanted to 'right wrongs' against Wales
Ireland kick-started their Guinness Women's Six Nations 2024 campaign with an impressive 36-5 victory against Wales in Cork, and f…
Martyn Thomas
14 Apr 2024, 11:26
'We just got on with it': How Scotland rescued Women's Rugby World Cup 1994
When the Netherlands pulled out of hosting Women's Rugby World Cup 1994, a group of team-mates from Edinburgh stepped in to save t…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
12 Apr 2024, 5:40
Amy Cokayne to make Red Roses return against Scotland
Amy Cokayne will pull on an England jersey for the first time in more than a year when the Red Roses take on Scotland at a sold-ou…
Martyn Thomas
10 Apr 2024, 10:00
Sweeney: 'Women's sport is here to stay...we need to make sure it grows as quickly as possible'
Rugby Football Union (RFU) CEO Bill Sweeney insisted the governing body needs to ensure the women’s game “grows as quickly as …
Martyn Thomas
09 Apr 2024, 13:00
'It came at a really good time' - Sarah McKenna on coaching transition
The former Red Roses star discusses the call that ended her international career and explains why she feels energised by her start…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
04 Apr 2024, 4:46
Red Roses prop Vickii Cornborough calls time on international career
England prop Vickii Cornborough has announced her international retirement following a 75-cap Red Roses career in which she starte…
Martyn Thomas
02 Apr 2024, 6:00
Scott Bemand leaves door ajar for Cliodhna Moloney Ireland recall
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand refused to rule out a future recall for Cliodhna Moloney despite again leaving the exiled hooker o…
Martyn Thomas
14 Mar 2024, 7:38
Marlie Packer enjoying new regime as she closes on Test century
The Red Roses captain is excited by how the team is evolving under John Mitchell ahead of the Women's Six Nations as she prepares …
Martyn Thomas
14 Mar 2024, 13:13
Mitchell lauds Red Roses depth as he unveils Women's Six Nations squad
England coach John Mitchell insisted the five-time defending Women’s Six Nations champions have “huge” potential for growth …
Martyn Thomas
11 Mar 2024, 14:38
Trio return as England name three uncapped players in Women's Six Nations squad
John Mitchell has named three uncapped players in his first Women’s Six Nations squad as England coach, while there are returns …
Martyn Thomas
11 Mar 2024, 12:00
Game On! The story behind the rise of Portuguese women's rugby
Martyn Thomas finds out how the trailblazing women’s 15s rugby programme in Portugal has been given license to grow using initia…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
08 Mar 2024, 7:50
Sophie de Goede: Hosting WXV can ‘catapult’ Canada into new era
Canada captain Sophie de Goede believes staging the second edition of WXV 1 in British Columbia can help launch the women’s game…
Exclusive
Martyn Thomas
01 Mar 2024, 3:00
Abby Dow: ‘I love playing rugby when I'm happy’
Energised by life with Trailfinders, the England wing will take a positive mindset into the Six Nations.
FEATURE
Martyn Thomas
20 Feb 2024, 10:39
Eimear Corri making most of second chance with Wolfhounds and Ireland
When Blackrock head coach Ben Martin first suggested Wolfhounds and Ireland second-row Eimear Corri might benefit from a move into…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
15 Feb 2024, 9:18
Celtic Challenge title race on the boil but silverware isn’t the only prize on offer
With just one round of the regular season to go four teams remain in the hunt for the Celtic Challenge title. But the expanded cro…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
01 Feb 2024, 4:47
Netherlands v Sweden: How the second-oldest rivalry in women’s Test rugby started
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the inaugural meeting between the teams, the Netherlands travelling to Malmö where they b…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
02 Feb 2024, 5:40
‘Competition drives you to be better’: Hannah Jones on friendly rivalries behind Gloucester success
Last year was a big one for Hannah Jones. The talented centre captained Wales to their best Women’s Six Nations performance sinc…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
19 Jan 2024, 4:55
‘It was really tough’: Sadia Kabeya using injury setback as fuel
Last October, when Sadia Kabeya suffered the “devastating” injury setback that ruled her out of England’s victorious WXV 1 c…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
11 Jan 2024, 9:03
Cantorna and Exeter focused on themselves as champions come to town
Sandy Park will host an early season Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby blockbuster on Saturday as Exeter Chiefs face champions G…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
15 Dec 2023, 3:08
De Goede relishing second act at Saracens: 'I definitely feel like I've evolved as a player'
When Sophie de Goede returned to Saracens in September, she did so with a sense of unfinished business. It was not only the Allian…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
17 Nov 2023, 5:25
“I count myself lucky”: Wallaroo Michaela Leonard on her remarkable rise
A little over five years on from an initital trial in Canberra, Michaela Leonard will captain the Wallaroos for the fourth time in…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
29 Sep 2023, 4:09
Rugby World Cup stories: How the 2019 Springboks united a nation
South Africa were unfancied in 2019 and lost their opening match - this is how they took the tournament by storm.
FEATURE
Martyn Thomas
11 Aug 2023, 4:49
Silvia Turani: 'Premiership Women's Rugby a big opportunity for Italy'
“I've learned a lot,” Turani said. “The intensity, the physicality that you have to face every week is outstanding. “And a…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
31 Jul 2023, 5:58
‘Gloucester took a mile on us’ – Emily Tuttosi reflects on ‘tough’ Premier 15s final defeat
By her own admission, Emily Tuttosi has had little time to ruminate on the heartache of a second successive Premier 15s final defe…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
07 Jul 2023, 7:07
Tyson Beukeboom on joining Ealing: ‘If I don't go play pro somewhere, I'm going to be left behind'
Canada second-row Tyson Beukeboom has revealed how her move to Ealing Trailfinders Women and Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) was…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
05 Jul 2023, 9:26
Bella McKenzie: From 's**t coffee' and rain to 'best comp in the world'
After a brutal introduction to life in England, Bella McKenzie reflects on an influential season in the Harlequins quarters
FEATURE
Martyn Thomas
16 Jun 2023, 12:06
Libbie Janse van Rensburg: 'It’s something I’m going to remember for the rest of my life’
Springbok Women fly-half Libbie Janse van Rensburg on playing in front of thousands of fans at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Divi…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
09 Jun 2023, 6:14
Premier 15s Player of the Year Mo Hunt playing with a smile on her face
Natasha Hunt has been named Premier 15s Player of the Year as announced at the Rugby Players’ Association Awards in London. “F…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
18 May 2023, 4:09
The daughter of a “rugby daft” farming family: Emma Orr on “whirlwind” first year
Emma Orr's assured performances at outside-centre – a position she had never played prior to making her Test debut against Wale…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
17 Apr 2023, 12:49
'Saturday’s crowd was different, the RFU cannot afford to take it for granted'
The only thing England’s players can do to help and continue the RFU’s drive towards selling out Twickenham, is to keep winnin…
Martyn Thomas
01 May 2023, 6:38
World Rugby ‘could not wait any longer’ to launch WXV
Sally Horrox believes World Rugby had a “moral and sporting responsibility” to launch its new annual global competition WXV th…
Martyn Thomas
05 May 2023, 4:14
Marcus Watson: ‘I’m glad we made the move’
Out of contract with Wasps, and looking for a new challenge with a newborn, the fleet-footed wing accepted the Italian job
FEATURE
Martyn Thomas
27 Apr 2023, 10:21
World Rugby to work in “active partnership” with unions to raise investment and standards
World Rugby has committed to taking a more proactive approach to generating investment to support the growth of the women’s gam…
Martyn Thomas
26 Apr 2023, 8:13
Will the Celtic nations ever catch the Red Roses?
England are streets ahead of their Celtic cousins and that is hurting the credibility of the Six Nations, but they are desperately…
FEATURE
Martyn Thomas
22 Apr 2023, 3:21
Elinor Snowsill: 'You have to be successful to capture the hearts of a nation'
Elinor Snowsill: “You have to be successful to capture the hearts of a nation, I suppose, or at least perform. And hopefully we'…
Interview
Martyn Thomas
30 Mar 2023, 9:01
Sarah Hunter interview: 'There's no going back - mentally and physically I'm ready'
“I literally went from, ‘I'm retiring’, to ‘I'm not retiring’," said Hunter. “It was quite an emotional process to go …
Interview
Martyn Thomas
22 Mar 2023, 10:27
The frank conversation that could just end Dragons' depressing history of losing
When Dragons chairman David Buttress arrived at Rodney Parade in September 2017, he outlined his ambition to turn the region into …
Martyn Thomas
19 May 2019, 8:45
The 21 stone unsung Welshman that returned to his England club 'a bit smug' this week
If Tom Francis returned to the Exeter Chiefs this week “a bit smug” then he had every right to be.
Francis is not a player …
Martyn Thomas
24 Mar 2019, 7:41
Wales Player Ratings - vs Ireland
Wales secured their third Grand Slam under Warren Gatland with a dominant 25-7 defeat of Ireland at the Principality Stadium.
Martyn Thomas
17 Mar 2019, 5:56
Wales vs Ireland - Pre-match analysis
Expectations are high that this Six Nations finale for Warren Gatland and Joe Schmidt will be an engrossing, close contest that yo…
Martyn Thomas
15 Mar 2019, 20:17
Wales Player Ratings - vs Scotland
Wales were made to dig deep as they withstood a second-half onslaught from Scotland at Murrayfield to maintain their Six Nations G…
Martyn Thomas
10 Mar 2019, 6:53
'Let's face it, rugby is no longer the national game of Wales'
Sardis Road might just be the last place you would expect to bump into David Moffett.
Martyn Thomas
03 Mar 2019, 3:45
Wales player ratings - vs England
Another Six Nations comeback helped Wales beat England 21-13 at the Principality Stadium to secure a national record 12th successi…
Martyn Thomas
23 Feb 2019, 16:19
Pre-match analysis - Wales vs England
England head to Cardiff on Saturday sitting pretty at the top of the Six Nations table and with momentum on their side.
An imp…
Martyn Thomas
21 Feb 2019, 10:06
Selecting a Wales-23 to harry, frustrate and eventually beat England
Wales stand on the verge of history as they welcome England to Cardiff next weekend, yet despite stretching their winning run to 1…
Martyn Thomas
17 Feb 2019, 7:13
Wales player ratings - versus Italy
It might not have been pretty and the expected bonus-point assault did not materialise in Rome, but ultimately Wales got the job d…
Martyn Thomas
09 Feb 2019, 15:13
Pre-match analysis - Italy vs Wales
Wales travel to Rome to face Italy boasting a very different look to the team that walked out at the Stade de France on the openin…
Martyn Thomas
08 Feb 2019, 4:09
Wales player ratings - vs France
Wales produced a stunning comeback to kick-off the 2019 Six Nations with a 24-19 defeat of France in Paris that stretches their un…
Martyn Thomas
02 Feb 2019, 3:39
Pre-match analysis - France vs Wales
It’s almost time for the talking to stop, the predictions to be filed away and the actual rugby to take centre stage. And there …
Martyn Thomas
31 Jan 2019, 12:23
It's time for Wales to repay Warren Gatland
Warren Gatland cut a relaxed, confident figure this week as he prepared for his final Six Nations as Wales head coach.
Gatland,…
Martyn Thomas
28 Jan 2019, 14:01
Catastrophic European campaign could usher in end of Welsh Regional Rugby as we know it
It has been a busy few weeks at the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) where plans to reinvigorate the regional game continue apace.
On Fr…
Martyn Thomas
20 Jan 2019, 15:38
Midterm report cards: Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons
Fans of the Ospreys and Scarlets were celebrating on Saturday night following the first inter-regional clashes of 2019.
It has …
Martyn Thomas
06 Jan 2019, 6:16
Predicting Wales' potential 31-man RWC squad
Warren Gatland is currently enjoying his final festive season as Wales head coach with his team on the longest unbeaten run of his…
Martyn Thomas
30 Dec 2018, 11:06
Scarlets attacking system's failure could prove invaluable for Wales
“It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.”
Bill Gates did not have Welsh r…
Martyn Thomas
23 Dec 2018, 8:16
'I don't think we've ever had anybody who's left us as a star player that ever came back'
When Paul Turner was Dragons head coach he would often commute to Gwent from his family home in St Albans, in the south-east of En…
Martyn Thomas
16 Dec 2018, 11:43
'It's just gut-wrenching' - after 147 years one of the great Welsh clubs faces oblivion, but there might be a glimmer of hope
Growing up in Glynneath Aaron Bramwell dreamed of captaining his beloved Neath.
Bramwell, who describes himself as “Neath thr…
Martyn Thomas
09 Dec 2018, 6:30
Alun Wyn Jones doesn't need any cotton wool
On a typically grey October day in 2015, Alun Wyn Jones sat chatting to media gathered at a plush Surrey hotel. Approaching his 10…
Martyn Thomas
02 Dec 2018, 10:05
The selection masterstroke that clinched Wales' place as the third best team on the planet
Wales have entered uncharted territory.
Victory against South Africa on Saturday was the ninth in a row for Warren Gatland’s…
Martyn Thomas
25 Nov 2018, 8:23
Multiple Welshmen facing their World Cup endgame as Gatland's depth charts deepen
Warren Gatland was coy when asked if his current squad was the strongest of his Wales reign ahead of their 10-try defeat of Tonga.…
Martyn Thomas
18 Nov 2018, 10:59
The Welsh player the best backrowers in the world simply couldn't cope with
The look on Michael Hooper’s face said it all.
As Australia’s captain sat alongside coach Michael Cheika and attempted to …
Martyn Thomas
11 Nov 2018, 7:26
How an unemployed German prop got dropped in at the deep end at an English rugby superpower
When Samy Füchsel received the call to go to England, there was scant time for nerves to kick in.
Germany defence and forwards…
Martyn Thomas
10 Nov 2018, 5:20
Saturday's game proves that the WRU Exiles program is a roaring success
Martyn Thomas looks into the successes of the Welsh Rugby Union Exiles Program.
Martyn Thomas
04 Nov 2018, 10:28
'He would have made a fantastic rugby league player' - Wales call-up nearly ditched union for league
Jonah Holmes has been getting used to life as a Wales call-up in recent weeks, but if a former coach had his way then the opportun…
Martyn Thomas
28 Oct 2018, 5:39
'I think England’s going to struggle to win the World Cup with the current structure'
A former All Blacks captain believes England will struggle to win a Rugby World Cup with the current structures in place.
Sean…
Martyn Thomas
21 Oct 2018, 13:37
The gloves are off as 11 men fight for a place in Wales' back three division
Steff Evans and Keelan Giles made timely returns to first-team action in Europe on Saturday.
Martyn Thomas
14 Oct 2018, 13:42
Whisper it - the Welsh regions may finally be over their European inferiority complex
Warren Gatland gathered more than 60 players together at The Vale this week to detail his plans for the year leading up to the Rug…
Martyn Thomas
07 Oct 2018, 10:28
What David Pocock did with his first paycheck and where the Cardiff Blues went wrong last year
Of all the young players that John Mulvihill has helped nurture in his 21 years as a coach, David Pocock is the one who has made t…
Martyn Thomas
10 Sep 2018, 5:53
Hulking Welsh wing from the rugby nursery that produced Warburton says he's hungry for more finals
As ticker tape rained down on the San Mames pitch one Friday night last May, Owen Lane stood with his left arm aloft and a Challen…
Martyn Thomas
30 Sep 2018, 9:52
EXCLUSIVE: 'One or two players have stood up already and said things which are quite humbling' - Mike Ford
Just 240 minutes stand between Germany and a place at their first ever Rugby World Cup. Yet, as the squad gathered a fortnight ago…
Martyn Thomas
16 Sep 2018, 8:13
Mike Ford's return to international rugby confirmed
As reported by RugbyPass last month former Ireland, England and British & Irish Lions coach Mike Ford has sealed his return to int…
Martyn Thomas
07 Sep 2018, 4:38
The 'Leinster B' controversy and what it means for the PRO14
In the week leading up to their PRO14 opener, the Cardiff Blues helped ratchet up excitement for the new campaign by dispatching f…
Martyn Thomas
02 Sep 2018, 5:48
Six Welsh players that have a fight on their hands to make the Rugby World Cup
Clouds might be gathering up and down the UK as a once-glorious summer fades, but with the 2018-19 domestic season set to kick off…
Martyn Thomas
27 Aug 2018, 6:40
Exclusive: Former Bath and Toulon coach Mike Ford on verge of shock international return
Former Saracens, Bath and Toulon head coach Mike Ford is to step back into the international fold, having previously worked as a c…
Martyn Thomas
24 Aug 2018, 13:28
Haskell criticises Cipriani's 'trial by social media'
James Haskell has launched a passionate defence of Danny Cipriani and warned fellow-players over the perils of social media
Martyn Thomas
23 Aug 2018, 3:43
'I had to listen to the politics above me' - Josh Adams on Wales or Worcester and his undecided future
Last season might have been his breakthrough campaign, but Josh Adams shows no signs of complacency as he gears up for a potential…
Martyn Thomas
19 Aug 2018, 6:48
The death of the Welsh rugby coach
Preparations in Wales have stepped up a gear ahead of the new PRO14 season. The Blues, Dragons and Ospreys were all in pre-season …
Martyn Thomas
12 Aug 2018, 7:03
Warburton's place in the pantheon of Welsh Rugby
When news of Sam Warburton’s retirement from professional rugby union arrived on Wednesday morning it came in typically dignifie…
Martyn Thomas
18 Jul 2018, 12:12
A billionaire, the awful 'unknown' and a battle for a sport's very survival
Few people gave Germany a chance ahead of their 2019 Rugby World Cup play-off second leg against Samoa on Saturday.
But in Hei…
Martyn Thomas
15 Jul 2018, 12:13
An Act of Stupidity That May Change England's Front Row
Martyn Thomas
25 Apr 2016, 19:37
Why the London Irish Exiles Are Winning the Race to the Bottom
Martyn Thomas
18 Apr 2016, 23:47
Jimmy Gopperth Proves Wasps Are Strong as Ever
Martyn Thomas
11 Apr 2016, 20:18
One Man's Bold Quest to Save the Pro12
Martyn Thomas
04 Apr 2016, 18:45
The Maddening Genius of Danny Cipriani
Martyn Thomas
28 Mar 2016, 23:48
Italian Rugby Has a Flat Battery and Treviso Holds the Jumper Cables
Martyn Thomas
22 Mar 2016, 16:38
Is the England Rugby Revival For Real?
Martyn Thomas
15 Mar 2016, 19:25
England Invades the US For Historic Aviva Premiership Clash
Martyn Thomas
07 Mar 2016, 19:13
How Wasps Went From the Brink of Bankruptcy to Title Contention
Martyn Thomas
29 Feb 2016, 21:52
