Sarah McKenna has received her first England call-up under John Mitchell as part of a training squad that contains eight uncapped players.
Exeter Chiefs flanker Maddie Feaunati and Trailfinders Women prop Liz Crake have both earned full-time England contracts for the 2024-25 season.
John Mitchell has named three uncapped players in his first Women’s Six Nations squad as England coach, while there are returns for Zoe Harrison, Emily Scarratt and Abbie Ward.
In 2024, the PWR needs to ‘do lots the same, but fight to make things even better - whilst also changing other bits.’ It’s clunky, but it’s accurate: In essence, the job’s not done yet - not at all.
From out-and-out league disciples, to those dipping a curious toe into the waters of the best women’s domestic competition in the world. Saturday 24th June is, quite literally, the pinnacle of women’s club rugby - and so it’s time to both big the occasion up, and strip things right back.
One more regular round to go. Exeter Chiefs are looking to secure home advantage in the Premier 15s play-offs, after all, it’s hard to snatch victory from the jaws of a title-defending wolfpack with the StoneX crowd behind them.
Since its launch in 2017, the top tier of women’s club rugby in England, has been dominated by Saracens. However, like undulating waves that rise and crash, all dynasties eventually wash away. And out to the west in Devon, where the Chiefs call home, a new power is rising.
In Round 12, the claws of sporting jeopardy seized the Premier 15s table, and gave it a thorough rattle. For the first time since the season kicked off, there’s not a cherry on top of the standings, but a chief.
Simon Middleton is spoiled for choice. There are so many brilliant Red Roses available to him, and despite this looking set to be the most professionalised edition of the Six Nations yet -their title defence feels inevitable.