Latest news with #SixNationsWomen'sSummerSeries
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
France down rivals England to finish with 100% record
France finished the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series as the only team with a 100% record after downing England 52-39 in the competition's final match. Doubles from Faustine Piscicelli and Elina Folituu and further scores from Mailys Borak, Anaick Konyi, Zoe Jean and Julie Espinosa made sure France took the spoils in the battle between the two unbeaten sides. The results from the final day of #U6NSummerSeries action 🤩 — Six Nations Under-20s (@SixNationsU20) July 17, 2025 England, who had beaten Scotland and Italy in their first two games, gave as good as they got, scoring six tries of their own through Amelia MacDougall, Grace Clifford, Lucie Sams, captain Lucy Calladine, Sophie McQueen and Zara Green, but ultimately couldn't find an answer to the questions their opponents posed to them. France made a blistering start to the encounter as Borak crashed over after just three minutes, with Pauline Barrat adding the extras. Going behind sparked England into life and they were level 10 minutes later when MacDougall beautifully peeled off the back of a ruck, catching the French defence off-guard to dot down. Les Bleuettes got themselves back in front halfway through the first half as Piscicelli's dominant run allowed her to dash over England's tryline. Ella Cromack's penalty brought her side to within four points with a classy kick, but the U20 Red Roses were powerless to stop Konyi storm down the left wing to register France's third try. England responded with a period of sustained pressure which proved fruitful as Clifford scored from close range to reduce their deficit to six. Espinosa's yellow card seemingly didn't help the French cause but despite being down to 14 players, they extended their lead through Jean's try when the clock was in the red at the end of the first half. Sams gave England the perfect start after the break, burrowing over after multiple waves of attack on 43 minutes, but Folituu's close-range score three minutes later put France back in the ascendency. England would not lie down, however, retaliating almost immediately as skipper Calladine profited from England's forwards using their physicality to push France back. However, England ceded momentum back to their opponents as Espinosa made up for her earlier sin bin by opportunistically scoring in the left corner. Piscicelli's timely interception allowed her to bag a second try on the hour mark and with England down to 14 due to Millie David's yellow card on 68 minutes, France had the game under control. McQueen hit back when she crossed over, but Folituu's late second score capped a fine French victory despite Green rounding off the scoring for England in added time. Discover the future of international rugby at the 2025 Women's Summer Series – where rising stars shine. Follow the action live at and on Instagram @u20sixnations.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Calladine bursting with pride despite France loss
England captain Lucy Calladine was bursting with pride with her teammates' efforts despite falling to a 52-39 loss against France in their final match of the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series. France ran in eight scores during the gripping encounter in Caerphilly, but England gave as good as they got and scored six tries of their own through Amelia MacDougall, Grace Clifford, Lucie Sams, Calladine, Sophie McQueen and Zara Green. The result also represented a marked improvement from 12 months ago in Italy when France downed the U20 Red Roses 72-21. And Calladine, who plays domestically for Loughborough Lightning in Premiership Women's Rugby, said the nature of her team's performance made it feel like they'd won. The results from the final day of #U6NSummerSeries action 🤩 — Six Nations Under-20s (@SixNationsU20) July 17, 2025 'I'm so proud,' she said. 'That scoreline is the closest it's ever been [against France] during the whole four years I've been involved. I'm so proud of the girls. They all worked so incredibly hard and it's a win in our eyes.' England beat Scotland 31-17 in their opening Women's Summer Series game before coming from 15-0 down at half-time against Italy to win 36-20 in their second. It means they finished alongside Ireland who also won two of their matches. Calladine explained she'd enjoyed being able to lead her team during the competition in Wales and hinted there is more to come from her side. 'This team makes it incredibly easy for me to be captain,' she continued. 'They're all so kind, so caring and they work incredibly hard for each other. Honestly, I couldn't ask for more from a team. What they do makes it so easy for me. We had a great two wins and obviously this [result] doesn't reflect how good we are as a team.' This has been the second incarnation of the Women's Summer Series, a tournament designed to give U20s players the opportunity to play more competitive rugby to help with their development. Calladine was grateful that her and her contemporaries had been given a platform to show what they could do. '[This tournament is] massive, especially with the World Cup coming up,' she added. 'It just shows you how cool the talent is coming forward. It's important to play these games, especially against the likes of France, because it just makes us a better team, and it makes for exciting rugby. 'More people are coming every year to watch. I've been doing it for three or four years now and the crowds have just got bigger and bigger. We always talk about how can we leave the shirt in the best place and I think we've done that today, so I'm really happy.' Discover the future of international rugby at the 2025 Women's Summer Series – where rising stars shine. Follow the action live at and on Instagram @u20sixnations.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
France down rivals England to finish with 100% record
France finished the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series as the only team with a 100% record after downing England 52-39 in the competition's final match. Doubles from Faustine Piscicelli and Elina Folituu and further scores from Mailys Borak, Anaick Konyi, Zoe Jean and Julie Espinosa made sure France took the spoils in the battle between the two unbeaten sides. The results from the final day of #U6NSummerSeries action 🤩 — Six Nations Under-20s (@SixNationsU20) July 17, 2025 England, who had beaten Scotland and Italy in their first two games, gave as good as they got, scoring six tries of their own through Amelia MacDougall, Grace Clifford, Lucie Sams, captain Lucy Calladine, Sophie McQueen and Zara Green, but ultimately couldn't find an answer to the questions their opponents posed to them. France made a blistering start to the encounter as Borak crashed over after just three minutes, with Pauline Barrat adding the extras. Going behind sparked England into life and they were level 10 minutes later when MacDougall beautifully peeled off the back of a ruck, catching the French defence off-guard to dot down. Les Bleuettes got themselves back in front halfway through the first half as Piscicelli's dominant run allowed her to dash over England's tryline. Ella Cromack's penalty brought her side to within four points with a classy kick, but the U20 Red Roses were powerless to stop Konyi storm down the left wing to register France's third try. England responded with a period of sustained pressure which proved fruitful as Clifford scored from close range to reduce their deficit to six. Espinosa's yellow card seemingly didn't help the French cause but despite being down to 14 players, they extended their lead through Jean's try when the clock was in the red at the end of the first half. Sams gave England the perfect start after the break, burrowing over after multiple waves of attack on 43 minutes, but Folituu's close-range score three minutes later put France back in the ascendency. England would not lie down, however, retaliating almost immediately as skipper Calladine profited from England's forwards using their physicality to push France back. However, England ceded momentum back to their opponents as Espinosa made up for her earlier sin bin by opportunistically scoring in the left corner. Piscicelli's timely interception allowed her to bag a second try on the hour mark and with England down to 14 due to Millie David's yellow card on 68 minutes, France had the game under control. McQueen hit back when she crossed over, but Folituu's late second score capped a fine French victory despite Green rounding off the scoring for England in added time. Discover the future of international rugby at the 2025 Women's Summer Series – where rising stars shine. Follow the action live at and on Instagram @u20sixnations.
South Wales Argus
7 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series: Scotland v Ireland
Expect sparks to fly as Scotland take on Ireland in the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series. The rivals kickstart Round 3 with the first game of the day at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly and both sides are itching to bounce back from defeats in Round 2. Last time out saw Ireland go down 41-12 to France, with Scotland losing 52-29 to Wales but both sides now have the chance to end their campaigns on a high. You can catch all the action live on YouTube right here. TEAM NEWS Scotland head coach Louise Dalgliesh has made ten changes to the matchday 23, with Poppy Fletcher named captain and Emily Norval vice-captain. Props Fletcher and Eilidh Fleming join Megan Hyland at hooker, with Aisha Zameer partnering Gemma Thomson in the second row. In the backrow are blindside flanker Merryn Gunderson, Lily Crisp at openside and Emily Coubrough the number eight. Emily Love and Ceitidh Ainsworth are the half backs, while the midfield remains Lucy MacRae and Nicole Flynn. Freya MacColl, who scored two tries against Wales last week, starts on the wing, joining Norval and full-back Poppy Mellanby. Ireland Head Coach Niamh Briggs has made the same number of changes to her side, with Grainne Burke, Maebh Clenaghan and Lily Morris in the front row. Beibhinn Gleeson and Alma Atagamen make up the second row, while Rosie Searle comes in behind them with Jane Neill and Jemima Adams Verling. May Goulding and Ellie O'Sullivan Sexton are the half backs, with Luicia Linn and Clare Dunne in the centres. Emily Foley and Katie Corrigan take up the wing spots and Lyndsey Clarke starts at full back. Player to watch - Freya MacColl The Scotland wing scored twice and assisted Poppy Mellanby against Wales last weekend after coming off the bench and has been rewarded with a first start of the Series. What they said Scotland head coach Louise Dalgliesh said: 'We had a really positive start against Wales to start the scores with a penalty early on but from there Wales got four tries from our possession, so we were really disappointed with that but ultimately it came from our own errors. 'I think when you take that first 20 minutes away, we actually outscored them 26-24, so we have shown how competitive we can be when we get the detail right, but we gave ourselves far too big a task to do after that. 'There's a lot of lessons we are taking away from that in terms of mindset and mentality, and that is what we are taking into this final game against Ireland. I think overall we can be pleased with what we have done in this competition so far, we have shown some fantastic attacking rugby and had glimpses of the physicality we bring in defence. 'Now we're looking to string all of that together for an 80-minute performance, and ultimately that's what it will take to get the result we are looking for on Thursday.' Team News Scotland: 15. Poppy Mellanby, 14. Emily Norval, 13. Nicole Flynn, 12. Lucy MacRae, 11. Freya MacColl, 10. Ceitidh Ainsworth, 9. Emily Love; 1. Poppy Fletcher, 2. Megan Hyland, 3. Eilidh Fleming, 4. Aisha Zameer 5. Gemma Thomson, 6. Merryn Gunderson, 7. Lily Crisp, 8. Emily Coubrough Replacements: 16. Karis Craig, 17. Louise Taperell, 18. Megan Riach, 19. Holly Wilson, 20. Sophie Price, 21. Rebekah Douglas, 22. Holly McIntyre, 23. Lisa Brown Ireland: 15. Lyndsey Clarke Ennis, 14. Katie Corrigan, 13. Clara Dunne, 12. Lucia Linn, 11. Emily Foley, 10. Ellie O'Sullivan Sexton, 9. May Goulding; 1. Grainne Burke , 2. Maebh Clenaghan, 3. Lily Morris, 4. Alma Atagamen, 5. Beibhinn Gleesonn, 6. Rosie Searle, 7. Jane Neill, 8. Jemima Adams Verling
South Wales Argus
7 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series: Wales v Italy
Italy are searching for a first win this year, while Wales are looking to back up their victory of the series when the two meet on Thursday at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly. Last weekend, Wales enjoyed a 52-29 win over Scotland, while a spirited Italy side were denied 36-20 by England. Don't miss the action live on YouTube right here. Team news Wales head coach Liza Burgess has made four changes to the starting line-up from last Friday. Tight-head Elan Jones returns to the team after adhering to the head injury protocols, with Jorja Aiono starting for the first time in the Series after Lottie Buffery-Latham's knee injury against Scotland. Lily Terry is shuffled into the back row to join skipper Branwen Metcalfe, with open-side flanker Catrin Stewart also making her first start in this year's competition. Full-back Carys Hughes replaces Mollie Wilkinson after she sustained knee and ankle injuries last time out. Player to watch - Savannah Picton-Powell Picton-Powell was twice on the scoresheet during her side's 52-29 win over Scotland last time out and could have had another had it not been for the intervention of the TMO. 🏴 Freya Bell is confident Wales have the players at their disposal to finish the 2025 Six Nations Women's Summer Series off with a win when they take on Italy tomorrow 💪#U6NSummerSeries — Six Nations Under-20s (@SixNationsU20) July 16, 2025 What they said: Wales head coach Liza Burgess: 'We've had to make a few changes due to injuries, but we now have great depth in our squad. 'The unlucky injury that Lottie suffered in the game against Scotland has allowed Jorja and Catrin to make their first starts during the campaign, as Lily Terry moves to the back-row. 'Our intensity and speed of play was really pleasing during the first half against Scotland – and we're aiming to build on that for the game against Italy. 'Although results haven't gone their way so far, they're a really physical and unpredictable side. 'We're determined to build on our success against Scotland and deliver an 80 minute performance.' Teams Wales: 15 Carys Hughes, 14 Seren Singleton, 13 Savannah Picton-Powell, 12 Freya Bell, 11 Nia Fajeyisan, 10 Hanna Marshall, 9 Sian Jones; 1 Stella Orrin, 2 Molly Wakely, 3 Elan Jones, 4 Robyn Davies, 5 Jorja Aiono, 6 Lily Terry, 7 Catrin Stewart, 8 Branwen Metcalfe. Replacements: 16 Rosie Carr, 17 Dali Hopkins, 18 Lowri Williams, 19 Chiara Pearce, 20 Jessica Rogers, 21 Ffion Williams, 22 Gabby Healan, 23 Hannah Lane Italy: 15 Kristin Kone, 14 Lucie Jeanne Moioli, 13 Sofia Catellani, 12 Elisa Cecati, 11 Mihaela Pirpiliu, 10 Lavinia Pratichetti, 9 Nicole Mastrangelo, 8 Elena Errichiello (C), 7 Margherita Tonellotto, 6 Luna Sacchi, 5 Elettra Costantini, 4 Francesca Andreoli, 3 Alice Antonazzo, 2 Silvia Fent, 1 Elena Giorgetti Replacements: 16 Chiara Cheli, 17 Angelica Cittadini, 18 Luce Floridia, 19 Greta Copat, 20 Elisa Burchielli, 21 Sofia Florio, 22 Teresa Sofia Blaskovic, 23 Vittoria Zeni Discover the future of international rugby at the 2025 Women's Summer Series – where rising stars shine. Follow the action live at and on Instagram @u20sixnations.
