Women's Rugby Thread

[laurent]

French 7's Captain has retired

[Niegs]

Heh, heh ... "mercy fanny".

[eldanielfire]

Heh, heh ... "mercy fanny".

That made me giggle when you highlighted that.

[eldanielfire]

Some moves. Emma Swords and Rosie Gallighan have moved to Harlequins form Saracens. Seems a bit of a clear out from Sarries, though they have re-signed Poppy and others.

I actually think Gallighan suits quins style and they can improve her. Interestingly she has been great mates with Jess Breech for a long while. Be interest as to how Swords does as Quins as well. Both rawer but great potential replacements for Ward and Riley. If Swords can work on her kicking game, because she's a potentially very good scrum half. Also Ellie Killdunne and Beth Blacklock has moved to Quins. Those are some big names.

Sarries have regained a few young talents from Loughborough though like Wasps they have lost some and gained some and it's hard to say if they are better or worse. Hard to say if it's teams identifying new talent they think will be better or if players are leaving for greener pastures. Also a few Japanese players entering the league.

[Niegs]

Some moves. Emma Swords and Rosie Gallaghan have moved to Harlequins form Saracens. Seems a bit of a clear out from Sarries, though they have re-signed Poppy and others.

I actually think Gallaghan suits quins style and they can improve her. Interestingly she has been great mates with Jess Breech for a long while. Be interest as to how Swords does as Quins as well. Both rawer but great potential replacements for Ward and Riley. If Swords can work on her kicking game, because she's a potentially very good scrum half. Also Ellie Killdunne and Beth Blacklock has moved to Quins. Those are some big names.

Sarries have regained a few young talents from Loughborough though like Wasps they have lost some and gained some and it's hard to say if they are better or worse. Hard to say if it's teams identifying new talent they think will be better or if players are leaving for greener pastures. Also a few Japanese players entering the league.

This Rosie Galligan?

[eldanielfire]

Some moves. Emma Swords and Rosie Gallaghan have moved to Harlequins form Saracens. Seems a bit of a clear out from Sarries, though they have re-signed Poppy and others.

I actually think Gallaghan suits quins style and they can improve her. Interestingly she has been great mates with Jess Breech for a long while. Be interest as to how Swords does as Quins as well. Both rawer but great potential replacements for Ward and Riley. If Swords can work on her kicking game, because she's a potentially very good scrum half. Also Ellie Killdunne and Beth Blacklock has moved to Quins. Those are some big names.

Sarries have regained a few young talents from Loughborough though like Wasps they have lost some and gained some and it's hard to say if they are better or worse. Hard to say if it's teams identifying new talent they think will be better or if players are leaving for greener pastures. Also a few Japanese players entering the league.

This Rosie Galligan?

Yep...you know my fav....despite the late night typos.....

[Niegs]

Seems like a good move for her. Kildunne, though, seems more like an unnecessary poach for a top-flight team. Wonder what the motivation was there (beyond being more likely to win a title)?

[eldanielfire]

Seems like a good move for her. Kildunne, though, seems more like an unnecessary poach for a top-flight team. Wonder what the motivation was there (beyond being more likely to win a title)?

Killdunne wasn't always started for Wasps near the end of the season. There was some suggestion she was less preferred choice.

They have both Rollie and Scott who can play there. I'm a bit perplexed as to why they are taking her, besides the fact if she's available you take her.

[Niegs]

Seems like a good move for her. Kildunne, though, seems more like an unnecessary poach for a top-flight team. Wonder what the motivation was there (beyond being more likely to win a title)?

Killdunne wasn't always started for Wasps near the end of the season. There was some suggestion she was less preferred choice.

They have both Rollie and Scott who can play there. I'm a bit perplexed as to why they are taking her, besides the fact if she's available you take her.

I assumed she was coming off an injury? Who's Wasps other FB?

[eldanielfire]

Seems like a good move for her. Kildunne, though, seems more like an unnecessary poach for a top-flight team. Wonder what the motivation was there (beyond being more likely to win a title)?

Killdunne wasn't always started for Wasps near the end of the season. There was some suggestion she was less preferred choice.

They have both Rollie and Scott who can play there. I'm a bit perplexed as to why they are taking her, besides the fact if she's available you take her.

I assumed she was coming off an injury? Who's Wasps other FB?

You might be right, but obviously Abby Dow is their alternative FB.

[tabascoboy]

Most intriguing fixture of this week?

Rugby World Cup 2021 Qualifying:
Kenya vs Columbia
16:00, Weds 25th August
Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi

Both teams in "bio-secure bubbles" so hopefully the match will go ahead, although it will be a no fan zone.

[tabascoboy]

If anyone's interested, other than me...live coverage later today

[Niegs]

I’ve heard one of our best, Sophie DeGoode, is returning to uni rather than Saracens. Seems an odd choice with the WRWC next year. Her uni was thrashing teams as well until nationals, there’ll be no rugby Nov- beyond. Why not just put school on hold?

The friend who told me used to coach another of our internationals and said she’s on a sportsperson visa with Worcester, which doesn’t allow you to work anywhere else. He wasn’t sure if / how much she got paid. So begs the question, are they? How much? Maybe London was too expensive for what DeGoode had/was getting?

[eldanielfire]

Kenya vs Columbia live now:



I'm interested in seeing how Columbia play, on facebook you can see their games against Brazil a year or so back. They have a big scrum. At least vs Brazil.

[eldanielfire]

I’ve heard one of our best, Sophie DeGoode, is returning to uni rather than Saracens. Seems an odd choice with the WRWC next year. Her uni was thrashing teams as well until nationals, there’ll be no rugby Nov- beyond. Why not just put school on hold?

The friend who told me used to coach another of our internationals and said she’s on a sportsperson visa with Worcester, which doesn’t allow you to work anywhere else. He wasn’t sure if / how much she got paid. So begs the question, are they? How much? Maybe London was too expensive for what DeGoode had/was getting?

I was on a CPD course with a sarries player and her "old clubmates". The opinion is Saracens have really lost a lot of of bulk and girth in their pack. I think they may be rebuilding. But I can't quite understand why, it seems such a variety of pack players leave. Though a few have re-signed.

On De Goode, she had a a really good season. Maybe it was always her plans, but like you I'd certainly think saying on and playing high quality rugby is the way forward in a RWC year. Especially with a core of Canadians in the league as well.

I recall an interview with Lottie Holland, who was about to leave Rugby after Hartpury for another life had Exeter Chiefs Women not be established. Basically she couldn't continue be a professional standard player, be away from home and have a career. Exeter being established was a career saver for her. It might be similar for her.

[Niegs]

I’ve heard one of our best, Sophie DeGoode, is returning to uni rather than Saracens. Seems an odd choice with the WRWC next year. Her uni was thrashing teams as well until nationals, there’ll be no rugby Nov- beyond. Why not just put school on hold?

The friend who told me used to coach another of our internationals and said she’s on a sportsperson visa with Worcester, which doesn’t allow you to work anywhere else. He wasn’t sure if / how much she got paid. So begs the question, are they? How much? Maybe London was too expensive for what DeGoode had/was getting?

I was on a CPD course with a sarries player and her "old clubmates". The opinion is Saracens have really lost a lot of of bulk and girth in their pack. I think they may be rebuilding. But I can't quite understand why, it seems such a variety of pack players leave. Though a few have re-signed.

On De Goode, she had a a really good season. Maybe it was always her plans, but like you I'd certainly think saying on and playing high quality rugby is the way forward in a RWC year. Especially with a core of Canadians in the league as well.

I recall an interview with Lottie Holland, who was about to leave Rugby after Hartpury for another life had Exeter Chiefs Women not be established. Basically she couldn't continue be a professional standard player, be away from home and have a career. Exeter being established was a career saver for her. It might be similar for her.

Not sure ... just having a look at her uni's roster, she's in 4th year Commerce, so not like it's medicine or something like that. I wonder if she deferred for a year when Covid hit but feels she has to return or drop out? I dropped out of my final semester of a taught Master's when my money ran out - school was blunt about saying I'd have to re-apply, strongly suggesting not to leave, and that was a bit daunting, but truly had no $ so left. After a year working, they basically welcomed me back with the submission of an internal application, no biggie. I hope she hasn't done it for that reason, because I've seen school admin unnecessarily be jerks about this sort of thing both as a student and working from the inside.

[tabascoboy]

Kenya vs Columbia live now:

I'm interested in seeing how Columbia play, on facebook you can see their games against Brazil a year or so back. They have a big scrum. At least vs Brazil.

Kenya looking quite good at times with the ball in hand, both line-outs messy. Colombia looking like they were tiring badly in the last 10 mins

Well Colombia did very well to hold on to a one point lead without ever looking like adding to it, a very good result away from home

Result: Kenya 15 - 16 Colombia

[eldanielfire]

Kenya vs Columbia live now:

I'm interested in seeing how Columbia play, on facebook you can see their games against Brazil a year or so back. They have a big scrum. At least vs Brazil.

Kenya looking quite good at times with the ball in hand, both line-outs messy. Colombia looking like they were tiring badly in the last 10 mins

Well Colombia did very well to hold on to a one point lead without ever looking like adding to it, a very good result away from home

Result: Kenya 15 - 16 Colombia

Columbia took their chances. It's interesting to see that both sides have quote a lot of potential but clearly don't train or play to high levels. You see it a few times in rucks when both sides non-scrum half's tend to join the ruck, even if the ball is available for a quick pick and go and forwards don't quite set up in pods, especially where Columbians are concerned, to crash ball it.

I should add Kenya played South Africa twice recently, they where thrashed and then almost beat the boks, losing only very late in the game:

[eldanielfire]

I’ve heard one of our best, Sophie DeGoode, is returning to uni rather than Saracens. Seems an odd choice with the WRWC next year. Her uni was thrashing teams as well until nationals, there’ll be no rugby Nov- beyond. Why not just put school on hold?

The friend who told me used to coach another of our internationals and said she’s on a sportsperson visa with Worcester, which doesn’t allow you to work anywhere else. He wasn’t sure if / how much she got paid. So begs the question, are they? How much? Maybe London was too expensive for what DeGoode had/was getting?

I was on a CPD course with a sarries player and her "old clubmates". The opinion is Saracens have really lost a lot of of bulk and girth in their pack. I think they may be rebuilding. But I can't quite understand why, it seems such a variety of pack players leave. Though a few have re-signed.

On De Goode, she had a a really good season. Maybe it was always her plans, but like you I'd certainly think saying on and playing high quality rugby is the way forward in a RWC year. Especially with a core of Canadians in the league as well.

I recall an interview with Lottie Holland, who was about to leave Rugby after Hartpury for another life had Exeter Chiefs Women not be established. Basically she couldn't continue be a professional standard player, be away from home and have a career. Exeter being established was a career saver for her. It might be similar for her.

Not sure ... just having a look at her uni's roster, she's in 4th year Commerce, so not like it's medicine or something like that. I wonder if she deferred for a year when Covid hit but feels she has to return or drop out? I dropped out of my final semester of a taught Master's when my money ran out - school was blunt about saying I'd have to re-apply, strongly suggesting not to leave, and that was a bit daunting, but truly had no $ so left. After a year working, they basically welcomed me back with the submission of an internal application, no biggie. I hope she hasn't done it for that reason, because I've seen school admin unnecessarily be jerks about this sort of thing both as a student and working from the inside.

It's possible she expected to play the World Cup this year. Hence the move and obviously didn't have the ability to stay a year afterwards. Now the RWC was moved it scuppered her plan.

It will be interesting to see if with so many players in the English league for the USA and Canada how they improve. Canada were pulling behind this past half decade and the USA weren't a bit behind them. Both are potential threats to the big 3. I do wonder if the knowledge and level of play they take back to North America will be shared and filter through?

[tabascoboy]

I didn't hear who Colombia will meet in the repechage, I know it will have teams from Europe, Asia and Oceania in the tournament but not sure if those have been decided yet. I think the games might not yet have been played and COVID's messed up the scheduling so much. The Worldrugby site isn't great when you just want to find quick facts...

Ah, Samoa are one of the teams.

And Wiki comes to the rescue:

Europe 13 - 25 Sept ( Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Italy )
Asia: 2 - 12 October ( Japan, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong )

Think it would be a big surprise if the European runners-up don't win the repechage, with their resources and regular competition.

[eldanielfire]

I didn't hear who Colombia will meet in the repechage, I know it will have teams from Europe, Asia and Oceania in the tournament but not sure if those have been decided yet. I think the games might not yet have been played and COVID's messed up the scheduling so much. The Worldrugby site isn't great when you just want to find quick facts...

Ah, Samoa are one of the teams.

And Wiki comes to the rescue:

Europe 13 - 25 Sept ( Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Italy )
Asia: 2 - 12 October ( Japan, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong )

Think it would be a big surprise if the European runners-up don't win the repechage, with their resources and regular competition.

But which European team? I'd also wager that while the European teams play more frequently, outside the 6 Nations the likes of Scotland and Wales don't even always play tests for the rest of the year and certainly most of the "resources" is Unions encouraging their players to get into the English league. Something Ireland seem to be doing more and more of.

I might add Italy have a strange timing for their season. Before the last world cup they barely have time to get together because finishing the league was the priority.

I might add, again, that Spain don't play much. I think they had a total of two tests last year and the year before. But they have a very good player base. If you think the Georgian men deserve to be in the 6 Nations, the Spanish women's case is even more egregious.

[tabascoboy]

I'd say Ireland favourites, then Italy, then Scotland and last Spain. That said, Spain definitely have a point to prove, being shunted out of the 6N purely so the teams matched the men's 6N. It should be very keenly contested and I wouldn't rule out an upset or two especially since disruption due to COVID is still a factor. Not sure when Spain last played a test? Well over a year ago I think in the previous qualifying round and Russia and Netherlands are a big step down from the 6N teams.

The last match I can find where Spain played a 6N team was January 19, 2020: Spain 12-36 Scotland at Almería.

[Niegs]

It will be interesting to see if with so many players in the English league for the USA and Canada how they improve. Canada were pulling behind this past half decade and the USA weren't a bit behind them. Both are potential threats to the big 3. I do wonder if the knowledge and level of play they take back to North America will be shared and filter through?

Forever the cynic, I doubt it. They recently played a match against each other, those with caps wanting to continue and those who were identified at Western and Eastern Canada selection camps... and the rugby was god-awful! Not only was it forward-dominated pod crashing, but they also didn't often get anywhere because they couldn't retain possession and a lot of the passes, even from scrum halves, weren't going to hand. I could say that a lot of the players would be unfamiliar to each other, but they've also been in camp all week and are meant to be the most talented we have, so passes should be on point at least.

As has been the case for a while, the coaches are still ignoring excellent players in the club circuit for those who've been in the system or are flat track bullying their way into the eyes of selectors through their uni appearances. It used to be that national players got funding individually, so you kind of had to stick with the 'carded' players (like England's contracted players, getting a few thousand stipend). If I'm not mistaken, now there's a trust fund that pays for whomever they choose.

I'll reserve judgement to this fall's tour, but the last couple of years have me thinking that the 2014 crew was the last generation of good 'rugby players' we'll have (i.e. who have excellent skill and vision) until someone realizes that our current way of doing things focuses too much on prescribed play and drill based training that doesn't prepare adequately for the demands of the game.

[eldanielfire]

Heather Fisher retires:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/58453981

Times Interview with Stephen Jones:

RUGBY UNION | HEATHER FISHER INTERVIEW
‘I struggled with my hair loss – but rugby gave me a safe place’
Heather Fisher talks to Stephen Jones about living with alopecia, loving the Olympics, and retirement
Fisher has announced her retirement from rugby — but the intensity of her preparation means she is still doing knee rehab on the Greek island of Santorini
Fisher has announced her retirement from rugby — but the intensity of her preparation means she is still doing knee rehab on the Greek island of Santorini
DCPHOTOGRAPHY
Stephen Jones
, Rugby Correspondent
Sunday September 05 2021, 12.01am, The Sunday Times
Last week in the Aegean, competition for poolside seats was slightly reduced. Anyone who had followed the implacable, emotional career of Heather Fisher, an England flanker through five World Cups and a Team GB sevens Olympian in 2016, would know that had she so desired, she could have harvested all the seats with the ferocity with which she seized the loose ball.

Here today, Fisher — probably the most astonishing sportsperson I have met — announces her retirement from rugby. And so why, on the Greek island of Santorini, was she in the pool going through knee rehab? Conceivably, the intensity of her preparation, and recovery from injuries, is too deep in her DNA to be easily terminated. And she is also possibly the least natural holidaymaker I have ever come across. Restless does not begin to describe her life.

For her to retire is a profound call. Rugby has been way more than a sport: it has been a sorely needed refuge from painful off-field traumas, including the break-up of her parents’ marriage and subsequent related difficulties, and her anorexia, anxiety and alopecia, the baldness which, in significant part, has dominated her life.


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“Ever since I lost my hair,” she says, “I’ve struggled to express myself in life as a female, because of hair loss. Rugby was a safe place; I knew as soon as I stepped over the line [on to the pitch] it was me versus them and all I had to do was be myself and not care about what I looked like or my image or how I dressed or came across.

“People constantly kicked me out of toilets, instantly think I’m a bloke, I’ve got to the stage where I’ve had broomsticks push me out of toilets and police waiting for me outside of toilet areas because they think I’m a boy, all because I’ve got no hair.


“There are still things about my mum and dad separating that I can’t even discuss, I’ve had glandular fever three or four times in my career, have been through two divorces and lost my hair, tried to manage work, training, [rugby] sevens and 15s and there was also the issue of my desperation to be the best I could be. It is really tough having to be part of that and still having to go back to work full-time.”

It could also be, sometimes, unbearably lonely. “I was always trying to create my own stability and my own balance. I’ve always felt that I never really fitted in and I always felt different to everyone else around me and I don’t feel that I ever expressed that,” she says. “I have often tried to deal with it all on my own.”

Fisher represented England at five World Cups and TeamGB at the Olympics
Fisher represented England at five World Cups and TeamGB at the Olympics
DCPHOTOGRAPHY
Thank goodness, she is now taking professional advice from psychologists and mindfulness coaches. Is she still trying to do too much on her own? “Yes, I probably am, and that’s me not knowing how to let people in because I’ve had to do it alone for so long,” she says.

As a player she delineated her own epoch. Along with Maggie Alphonsi, her fellow flanker in England’s 2010 World Cup team, she took the game to a new level of physicality and, for me, Fisher was every bit as effective throughout her career as the great Alphonsi. I still recall a sevens match in Hong Kong which England won because the opposition were palpably unable to cope with Fisher’s intensity.

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Most recently she dedicated herself to making the Olympic sevens in Japan, at 37. “I’ve always valued Olympics more so than World Cups and it’s great that I’ve gone through five World Cups, but my love is the Olympics,” she says. The philosophy of her choice is haunting. “Perhaps I enjoyed sevens more because of the fear: it was a challenge to see if I had enough in my tank to survive, if I repeatedly had power in the system to go and go again, and that is the fear that drove me,” she says.

But that final quest was to end in a heartbreak, and in tears. “In March I rolled my ankle really badly and took two ligaments off the bone,” she says. She fought the injury for months but the night before the Olympic squad was to be announced, she was overcome by her own desperation to enter the sports arena only at her very best.

“I am someone who fires in all directions and I wasn’t firing,” she says. “I could probably have done the job [in the Olympics] at 80 per cent but I’ve always put honesty above anything else, when I’m playing for my country I represent everyone out on the pitch, and I realised I couldn’t give a true version of myself.”

Fisher formed a formidable partnership with fellow flanker Alphonsi
Fisher formed a formidable partnership with fellow flanker Alphonsi
ACTION IMAGES/SCOTT HEAVEY LIVEPIC
So she told Scott Forrest, the head coach at the Olympics, that she would have to withdraw.

Her vision of Olympic destiny now resides in the possibility that she will try out for the Team GB bobsleigh team for the Winter Games in Beijing in February 2022. As I say, implacable is hardly the word.

She had lost the love of the main game. “Originally in 15s it was slightly different, because when Gary Street and Graham Smith [coaches in the successful 2014 World Cup triumph] were in charge I could express myself, they allowed me to be free-flowing and to play the game as it suited me,” she says. “Then the next coaches came in and wanted structure, pure structure: stand here, go there, take this ruck down there. I felt lost. Suddenly I was trying to paint by numbers and I really struggled.”

What now? We know from so many sad stories that the post-playing transition can be painful.

But her news is wonderfully comforting. She is to join ICM Stellar Sports, the giant athlete agency. “They have asked me to uncover emerging talent globally and mentor them on the way through,” she says. “It is a massive opportunity.” And it is difficult to think of anyone who would be a better mentor for the next generation.

She is also working with the Thomas Franks catering company. “I’d love to set up a hub for eating disorders, so that they don’t become a negative in life,” she says.

As usual, it seems that Fisher’s days have 36 hours. And as usual, the selfless energy of the woman is amazing. Her confidence, always transitory, has grown. “I once spoke to a few of the New Zealand players and they said: ‘Fish, we wish we had a player like you on our team,’ and that to me from such amazing people made me realise that I was obviously feared and respected,” she says.

Tentatively, I ask her if she has managed to sit down in the same place for more than five minutes on holiday. “No, but I’m trying to get used to that. I’m still in the pool rehabbing but I am also just trying to switch off,” she says.

Could there be one last trip? In November at Twickenham the Barbarians play South Africa. How fitting it would be if Fisher could say goodbye in the colours of the grand old club, in a match of slightly lower intensity.

Low intensity? Now that is something she really will have to work at.

[eldanielfire]

Love the shithousery here

[eldanielfire]

https://www.englandrugby.com/news/artic ... rnationals

RED ROSES 2021 AUTUMN SCHEDULE
ENGLAND V NEW ZEALAND
Sunday 31 October, KO 2.30pm
Sandy Park, Exeter
Tickets: tickethub.exeterchiefs.co.uk

ENGLAND V NEW ZEALAND
Sunday 7 November, KO 2.45pm
Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Tickets: northamptonsaints.co.uk/buytickets

ENGLAND V CANADA
Sunday 14 November, KO 2.30pm
Twickenham Stoop, London
Tickets: On general sale via englandrugby.com/tickets from 11am on Friday 10 September. On sale via the club later this month (date TBC): https://www.eticketing.co.uk/harlequins

ENGLAND V USA
Sunday 21 November, KO 2.45pm
Sixways Stadium, Worcester
Tickets: warriors.co.uk/tickets

[sturginho]

Italy's matches against Scotland, Ireland and Spain will be shown on RaiSport which as far as I know is an absolute first for women's rugby

[eldanielfire]

Italy's matches against Scotland, Ireland and Spain will be shown on RaiSport which as far as I know is an absolute first for women's rugby

[sturginho]

Italy's matches against Scotland, Ireland and Spain will be shown on RaiSport which as far as I know is an absolute first for women's rugby

Today it's Italy vs Scotland at 3pm local time (2pm UK) and Spain vs Ireland at 6pm local.

All the matches are streaming on the rugby world cup website (in addition to being broadcast locally)

https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2021/news ... -qualifier

[sturginho]

Italy are leading 26-6 at half time, I didnt get to see the first half as I was in a meeting :(

I did see Arrighetti's try at the end of the half though, lovely line break and then she thought about trying to run around the covering defender, but then changed her mind and ran over her

[sturginho]

The Azzurre withstand about 15 minutes of constant pressure from Scotland, then hit them on the counter

[eldanielfire]

Italy are leading 26-6 at half time, I didnt get to see the first half as I was in a meeting :(

I did see Arrighetti's try at the end of the half though, lovely line break and then she thought about trying to run around the covering defender, but then changed her mind and ran over her

Good score for Italy.

[eldanielfire]

Oh and the IRFU show what a Steller job they are doing again for the women's game:

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/ ... -1.4672446

IRFU and Leinster apologise for temporary facilities beside bins at women’s interpros
Videos show temporary tents set up beside bins with reports of rats around the area

The IRFU and Leinster Rugby have apologised for the state of the changing facilities provided for the Leinster and Connacht women’s teams in Donnybrook on Saturday.

The final round of the Women’s Interprovincial series took place at Energia Park at the weekend but complaints were made about the facilities provided with videos on social media showing the temporary changing rooms - which appear to be just a small tent - positioned in a derelict area beside bins and with graffiti on the walls. There were also reports of players seeing rats around the area.

The match finished 12-12 and afterwards the IRFU and Leinster Rugby released a statement on Twitter saying the facilities were “unacceptable” but that “changing facilities are not available for amateur rugby teams”.

“The IRFU and Leinster Rugby would like to apologise to players, management and representatives of Connacht Rugby and Ulster Rugby and are sorry for the inconvenience caused by an unacceptable error in relation to the positioning of temporary changing facilities,” read the statement.

“Due to current government guidelines, changing facilities are not available for amateur rugby teams.

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“These temporary facilities should have been set up in a more appropriate area.

“The IRFU and Leinster Rugby are extremely sorry for the inconvenience to the teams and the upset this unacceptable error has caused.”

Munster would go on to win the series on Sunday with a 19-7 victory over Leinster at the same venue.

Connacht released a statement on Sunday in response to the apology.

“Connacht Rugby acknowledges and welcomes the apology issued to our women’s squad and management for the changing facilities provided at last night’s fixture at Energia Park,” it read.

“Connacht Rugby along with the IRFU are proud of the strides we have made with women’s rugby, and the increased backing and support we have given our players, coaches and volunteers. TG4’s live coverage of the Connacht women’s fixture was also a very welcome development - the benefits of which will be clear to see in both the short and long-term future.

“Finally, we’d like to thank this year’s playing squad and management for their incredible commitment since their first training session many months ago. They have represented the province with pride and we look forward to seeing continued development of women’s rugby in Connacht at all levels.”

[ASMO]

Scotland getting bummed

[clydecloggie]

Scotland huffing and puffing but poor handling skills mean their attacks are slow and put little pressure on the Italy defence. In contrast, Italy are sharp and fast and cause trouble every time they have the ball. No wonder it's 38-6 now.

[sturginho]

Scotland huffing and puffing but poor handling skills mean their attacks are slow and put little pressure on the Italy defence. In contrast, Italy are sharp and fast and cause trouble every time they have the ball. No wonder it's 38-6 now.

Scotalnd finally get a try back, and Italy have to be careful now cos scotland have their backs up

[eldanielfire]

Scotland huffing and puffing but poor handling skills mean their attacks are slow and put little pressure on the Italy defence. In contrast, Italy are sharp and fast and cause trouble every time they have the ball. No wonder it's 38-6 now.

Scotalnd finally get a try back, and Italy have to be careful now cos scotland have their backs up

Italy take it with a good buffer. Surely Italy vs Ireland for the top spot when they play on Sunday.

[eldanielfire]

[sturginho]

4 mins to play and Spain are leading Ireland by a point!

[sturginho]

Ireland miss a last gasp penalty, Spain win!