Women’s Rugby Roundup

Black Ferns win big

At New Zealand’s prestigious Halberg Awards, the Black Ferns were recognised for an outstanding 2022 which culminated in them winning the World Cup.

The Black Ferns were awarded Team of the Year and New Zealand’s favourite sporting moment - with that going to the Black Ferns final lineout of the final, against the throw, to win the match against England.

Former Black Ferns Director of Rugby Wayne Smith was awarded the Coach of the Year, while Black Ferns Sevens Captain Sarah Hirini was also recognised for her outstanding leadership, receiving the Sport New Zealand Leadership Award.

England coaching changes

Following news that Simon Middleton will step down from his role as England’s head coach after the upcoming Six Nations, backs coach Scott Bemand is following suit.Meanwhile, having spent the past 18 months with the the team, Louis Deacon will stay on to support the team leading towards the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

England are now on the hunt for several coaches as they begin the road to their home World Cup.

Milestones for Ireland marked

The IRFU have produced some nice content to mark the 30th anniversary of Ireland’s first ever women’s test match when they played Scotland in 1993.

There’s a videowith two of the original team Jo Moore and Aoife Rodgers who share their memories of that day which you can watch here.

The IRFU had no involvement in this first game, as the match was organised and run by the players themselves and then the voluntary group the IWRFU who ran the game in Ireland till 2007 when the IRFU took over.

You can read much more about this in the bookScrumqueens -the story of women’s rugby.

Super Rugby Aupiki kicks off next weekend

New Zealand’s four team women’s Super Rugby competition kicks off in just over a week.

Check out Alice Soper’sbrilliant previews on her Substack

Super Rugby Aupiki at a glance:Season opener:Saturday 25 February: Hurricanes Poua v Chiefs Manawa, Levin.Format:4 teams: Blues, Chiefs Manawa, Hurricanes Poua and Matatū6 regular season matches + 4 play-off matchesSeason Length: 5 weeksTotal Matches: 10Semi Finals: 19 March, Final + 3rd/4th play-off: 25 March.

Sevens history to be made

Libya will become the 150th #wrugby 7s nations when they take the field next weekend at the Arab Rugby Sevens in Al-Ain.

Also taking part are Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Jordan and the UAE. The hosts will be massive favourites having never lost a match in this competition.

England's top league heats up

This weekend in England's Premier 15s sees former champs Saracens and Harlequins face off in a game being billed as 'the duel'.

Claire Thomas' excellent look ahead to the game and a run through where the league is at onRugby Passis well worth your time as is a reminder how the table currently stands, with Gloucester-Hartpury and Exeter streaking ahead.