Latest news with #WXV2
STV News
a day ago
- Sport
- STV News
Scotland Women head coach Bryan Easson to leave role after Rugby World Cup
Scotland Women head coach Bryan Easson will leave the role after the upcoming Rugby World Cup. The move was announced by Scottish Rugby on Friday afternoon. Easson, who has worked in several positions in the organisation for 25 years, was appointed to the role of head coach full-time in December 2020 after leading the team as Interim Head Coach since August that year. He has now decided it is time for a new challenge and says managing the national side has been the 'greatest honour in his coaching career.' He said: 'It has been the greatest honour of my coaching career to lead the Scotland Women's national team through one of the most significant and inspiring periods in its history. 'During my time as Head Coach, this team has grown immensely, rising from 11th in the world to an all-time high of fifth, and now proudly ranked seventh. We've experienced unforgettable highs: qualifying for two Rugby World Cups, winning WXV2, and competing with the best in the world. These moments are etched in our collective memory. 'We've also faced real challenges, tough results, setbacks, and times when belief was tested. None of it, the resilience, the progress, or the success would have been possible without an exceptional group of players and colleagues who showed remarkable strength, unity and character throughout the journey. 'I want to especially acknowledge Tyrone Holmes (Defence Coach), Ellen Dickson (Team Manager) and Rachel Malcolm, the three constants who've been by my side throughout. Their leadership, dedication and belief have been instrumental. 'In 2022, we reached a historic milestone with the introduction of professional contracts for the women's team, a landmark step that speaks to how far the game has come. I'm incredibly proud to have played a part in that progress and in building a foundation for the future. 'While the achievements belong to the group, I take pride in having led this chapter. I've always believed in leaving the jersey in a better place and I hope that's what I've done. 'To every player, coach, and colleague I've had the privilege to work alongside, thank you.' Scottish Rugby CEO Alex Williamson said: 'Bryan will take the Scotland squad to the World Cup in August as a fitting swansong to his many achievements as the coach of the national team and on behalf of everyone at Scottish Rugby we wish him success in England and also thank him for everything he has contributed to our sport over 25 years.' The process of recruiting a new Head Coach will commence shortly. The World Cup is being held in England from August 22 until September 27. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Otago Daily Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
‘All a family' — but by myself
Sweden's Stina Blackstenius scores their first goal past Poland's keeper Kinga Szemik during their Uefa Women's Euros game in Switzerland. No New Zealand broadcaster has picked up the rights to the Euros this year. PHOTO: REUTERS Standing together The Women's Rugby World Cup starts in England next month and it seems timely to recall this quote from Springboks captain Siya Kolisi after supporting his female counterparts at the WXV2 tournament last year. "Our job is to inspire everybody here and it's my job as a male to support women in sport because they do the same for us when we play,'' Kolisi said. "I don't think they get the credit they deserve and I think for us as the males in the sport, we need to start celebrating as much as we can. "We are all a family of sport at the end of the day and we know how well we are supported as men — but I don't have my platform without women supporting me.'' So, the question is, will you be throwing your support behind our Black Ferns — who play the Wallaroos this weekend — again as they hunt to defend their title? Whistle happy Matatū fullback Chey Robins-Reti is adding another string to her bow as part of the new cohort for the New Zealand Rugby women's referee scholarship programme for the next two years. Robins-Reti is no stranger to trying her hand at something new, having represented the Black Ferns, Black Ferns Sevens and the Kiwi Ferns through the years. She joins Azania Watene (Counties-Manukau), Danielle Tippett (South Canterbury), Hayley Hutana (Canterbury) and Kahurangi Sturmey (Manawatū) as part of the programme. Each scholarship member receives financial support, one-on-one coaching and mentorship from NZR women's referee development manager Maggie Cogger-Orr. All by myself The All Blacks recently flew into town for their opening test, and aside from New Zealand Rugby staff members, The Revolution was the only female reporter in a room full of more than 20 for the media briefing. It was much the same last year, except there was double the media with a bunch of English reporters and others here for the start of the Razor era — but still just one female reporter. Granted, there are fewer members of the media attending events than back in the day, but are there really that few women around to send to the big games? TVNZ has a strong crop of female sports reporters and other newspapers do, too, but more are needed. Sport is a place where women belong — in all aspects including the press bench — and we need to encourage more coming through the ranks. Farewell, Jo Jo Harten, one of the great shooters of the modern game, has called time on her illustrious netball career. Harten was one of the first major English netballers — alongside defender Geva Mentor, who at 40, also retired last month — to play as an import in the southern hemisphere and lead the way for countless others. After 20 years in England, New Zealand (Mainland Tactix and Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic) and Australia, the 36-year-old will finish up after the Giants' game against the Melbourne Mavericks this weekend. Harten, who now calls Sydney home with her wife and daughter, retired internationally in 2023 and has been part of England's coaching staff, which has many tipping the mastermind to join the Giants' coaching ranks. "Leaving netball behind comes with mixed emotions, but I'm eager for the next chapter,'' Harten said. "I want my daughter to grow up knowing her mum went after bold dreams and that women's sport is powerful and meaningful. I'll always proudly stand behind it.'' Across the Ditch Speaking of Australia, The Revolution recently visited Australia, picked up a newspaper and had to wade through six sports pages before finding a single story on women's sport. Go figure.
The South African
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Springbok Women reinforced by duo's return for landmark Canada Test
Zintle Mpupha and Micke Gunter will return to the starting lineup for the Springbok Women to face Canada at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, marking their first encounter with the North Americans. Both players last featured for the Bok Women in the WXV 2 against Italy, missing this year's Tests due to Sevens obligations and injury, respectively. Their inclusion adds experience and depth in what will be South Africa's first home clash against Canada in history. Mpupha, South Africa's top try-scorer, offers attacking firepower while Gunter strengthens the scrum from the No 2 jersey. Captain Nolusindiso Booi will lead the Springbok Women for a record 22nd time in her landmark 51st Test match. She surpasses Mandisa Williams, who shares the previous captaincy record and will serve as flag bearer this Saturday. Scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey extends her Test record to 40 matches, the most for any South African in her position. Babalwa Latsha (35 Tests) and Sinazo Mcatshulwa (37 Tests) further boost a seasoned Springbok pack for the Loftus encounter. Mcatshulwa and Chumisa Qawe move from bench roles in that game to starting positions against Canada at Loftus Versfeld. Catha Jacobs, Yonela Ngxingolo and Byrhandré Dolf return to the bench, having also featured in last year's 66-7 defeat to Canada. Eight Springbok Women players starting Saturday's game also played in that loss to Canada in March 2023. Performance coach Swys de Bruin expects a massive challenge against world No. 2 ranked Canada at altitude in Pretoria. He views the match as crucial preparation for the World Cup, which kicks off next month for the Springbok Women. 'Canada have form and confidence after winning the Pacific Four,' said De Bruin ahead of Saturday's Test match kickoff. De Bruin wants his team to remain physical, stay disciplined, and use Loftus crowd energy to boost their performance. He emphasised the need to expand attacking options while maintaining intense defensive pressure on a well-drilled Canadian side. The Springbok Women will look to play their way, with an eye on testing strategies ahead of next month's tournament. 'This match will be a key indicator of our readiness and progress toward the Rugby World Cup,' De Bruin added. The Test match kicks off at 13h30 on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. Springbok Women – 15 Nadine Roos, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner,4 Nolusindiso Booi (captain), 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. Subs: 16 Luchell Hanekom, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Lerato Makua, 21 Catha Jacobs, 22 Byrhandré Dolf, 23 Eloise Webb.
Wales Online
27-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Nigel Walker lands new job in English sport in first role since WRU exit
Nigel Walker lands new job in English sport in first role since WRU exit The former Welsh rugby powerbroker has landed a top role in England Former WRU interim CEO Nigel Walker (Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency ) Former Welsh rugby bigwig Nigel Walker has been appointed CEO of Basketball England. Walker left his role as the Welsh Rugby Union's executive director of rugby last December having formerly been interim CEO before Abi Tierney took the reins in January 2024. The 62-year-old was a leading figure in Welsh rugby during one of the most turbulent periods in its history. During Walker's time at the WRU he oversaw the introduction of the first professional contracts for the women's game. But Walker was heavily criticised for his role in the negotiation of contract negotiations with the senior women's team last year which allegedly included the WRU threatening to pull the team out of last year's WXV2 competition while also issuing a number of ultimatums. This triggered a review into the WRU's conduct, which concluded while there had been poor behaviour, sexism was not present. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below The row came less than a year after a review into the WRU's culture following a BBC Wales investigation found it was sexist, misogynistic, racist and homophobic, which ultimately led to the departure of then CEO Steve Phillips. Nevertheless Walker is a well-respected figure in Welsh sport having previously been head of sport at BBC Wales and national director at the English Institute of Sport, while he was also a Cardiff Rugby board member. The former Cardiff wing also won 17 caps for Wales and represented Great Britain at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles in the 110 metres hurdles. During his time at the WRU Walker helped guide the governing body through the 2023 independent review process. Alongside former chair Ieuan Evans, he pushed through a modernisation of the WRU's governance with a 97% majority at an extraordinary general meeting in March 2023. His time in Welsh rugby has now come to an end and Walker will be in charge of Basketball England. 'I am delighted to join Basketball England on an interim basis and to have the opportunity to work with the organisation's excellent staff and our partners," said Walker. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free 'Over the next six months I will focus my efforts on ensuring we deliver our strategy with a particular emphasis on growing the membership, improving the service we provide to our existing members and nurturing our most talented players.' Walker also served on the UK Sport board for four years (2006-2010) and was a member of the Commonwealth Games England board (2015-2022). In addition, he held independent roles with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and was on the Birmingham 2022 operations board. 'It is my great pleasure to welcome Nigel to the organisation as we look forward to a new season," said Basketball England chair Paul Blanchard. "It is a real coup for the organisation to have him join us on an interim basis. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. 'His focus will be on growing our membership base and ensuring that we service our community better as well as improving standards across the game and ensuring our sport continues as the most diverse and inclusive in the UK. Article continues below "He is a highly talented and respected figure in sport and I am confident he will serve us and basketball well as we start the search for someone to take on the role for the longer term.'
Edinburgh Reporter
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Scotland Women appoint two assistant coaches ahead of summer test matches
Ross Miller and Steve Shingler have been appointed assistant coaches for the Scotland Women's team, ahead of this summer's test matches against Italy and Ireland, and the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. Ross Miller returns to the national setup as Assistant Coach (forwards), replacing Fraser Brown, who concluded his consultancy role with the team at the end of the 2025 Guinness Women's Six Nations. A former Melrose player, Miller brings continuity and familiarity to the squad, having previously worked with the team during the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand (played in 2022). Most recently, Miller led the Scotland Men U18 team at the Six Nations Festival in April. He rejoined the women's programme at the start of the current pre-season training block this month. Joining Miller is Steve Shingler, who takes on the role of Assistant Coach (attack). He will replace Matt Banahan, who has chosen to move on to another coaching opportunity. Shingler arrives on secondment from PWR side Trailfinders Women, where he has served as Assistant Coach for the past season. A former professional player, Shingler brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience, having represented Scarlets, London Irish, Cardiff, Mont-de-Marsan, and Ealing Trailfinders across a distinguished career as a fly-half and centre. Scotland Women Head Coach, Bryan Easson said: 'I'd like to thank Matt for his contribution to the team, there is no doubt that our attack has kicked on in the two years he has been with us. Whilst it's disappointing that he won't be with us for the Rugby World Cup, we respect his decision in choosing an opportunity that is closer to home and wish him all the very best. 'This does now present an exciting opportunity to reset and refresh our coaching team. We're very grateful to Trailfinders Women for working with us to bring Steve into our environment. 'We welcomed Steve into camp during this year's Six Nations and we were really impressed by him then. We have several players at Trailfinders, including some of our key attacking players, who have a fantastic relationship with him already and know what he's about which will give us a smooth transition. 'Ross has bedded back in with us really well, we've had a brilliant few weeks as a group with him so far. We've worked together for a long time, and he did a great job with us at the last Rugby World Cup. I think he's a brilliant addition to the group, he knows the players and the players know him which helps too.' On his move, Matt Banahan said: 'I loved my time with Scotland, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to coach at international level, but the chance to take on a new coaching role closer to home was too good to turn down. 'I'm so proud of what the team has achieved in these last two years, especially their WXV2 title win in 2023. This is a really special group, and I have loved getting to know them as players and people. I wish the team all the very best at the Rugby World Cup and everything else in the future.' Like this: Like Related
