The 2025 Guiness Women’s Six Nations championship got underway last weekend (Mar 22-23) with both England and France starting the competition as favourites and both keen to perform well in preparation for the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
In round one last weekend Scotland piled more misery on Welsh rugby with a 24-21 win, while France defeated Ireland 27-15 and England demolished an enthusiastic Italy 38-5.
Round 2 of the competition this weekend sees France host Scotland and Wales host England on Saturday (Mar 29), while Italy welcome Ireland on Sunday.
Elsewhere, the Gallagher Premiership sprung back to life as a committed Leicester Tigers demolished last season’s champions Northampton Saints 33-0 meaning the Saints’ finals hopes are all but dashed as they languish 3 points from the bottom. The great sides develop a winning consistency and the Saints boardroom will be aware of that! Leicester played with a cultural meanness and could still do a Premiership and European cup double.
Harlequins fought back to defeat Saracens 23-12 and raise a few eyebrows at the home of Tottenham Hotspur in front of a big crowd. Multi use stadiums are a must going forward and will encourage more spectators.
Sale easily put aside a Newcastle Falcons side who are still up for sale 39-15. Unlike the football team equivalent who beat Liverpool 2-1 at Webley a few weeks ago to win the Carabao Cup, rugby success is diminishing on the far horizon for the Falcons.
Bristol Bears won the Southwest derby 52-38 against Exeter, who have had a depressing season. Bath and Gloucester fought out a tense West country derby with Bath too strong and running out 42-26 winners. Many are considering how Bath can support such a large squad.
Meanwhile, Super Rugby Pacifica has begun with a few surprises. Last seasons winners the Auckland Blues are in deep trouble after losing at home to the Crusaders 19-42 to currently sit one place above Fiji and Moana. Western Force scored 50 points against Fiji, who struggle to perform effectively away from home.
The Waratahs just got home against a lacklustre Brumbies 28-23, while the Highlanders lost at home to a Reds side rapidly improving 23-29. The competition leaders The Chiefs put 50+ points on Moana Pacifica to remain top of the league.
In Top 14 last seasons winners Toulouse remain top of the league, closely followed by Bordeaux and Toulon.
Finally, some dates for your diary. The Phuket 11s rugby tournament, scheduled for the weekend of June 6-8, will see teams from Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, UK, UAE joining domestic teams from Thailand in competition. All matches will be played at the Alan Cooke Sports Club (ACG) in Thalang and everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the fun. More details will be made available closer to the event.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.