The Exeter Daily - women's rugby

Women's Fixtures Launch

sandypark — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:05:57 +0000

It’s time to get excited, the 23/24 Allianz Premiership Campaign is right around the corner!

We’d like to invite you all to join us for Brunch at Sandy Park as we reveal next Season’s Fixture List.

We will be serving a Bacon Roll with Tea & Coffee, and tickets are available now for £10 per person!

Tickets: Booking Selection [Sandy Park | 09.08.2023 - 10:15 | Women's Fixture Launch] - Exeter Chiefs

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Event Date

Wednesday, August 9, 2023 - 10:15am to 12:00pm

Venue

Sandy Park, Exeter

World Rugby Welcomes Gallagher as Official Partner of Women’s Rugby, WXV and Rugby World Cup 2025

News Desk — Thu, 04 May 2023 01:04:00 +0000

World Rugby and Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services company, today announced a multi-year global partnership establishing Gallagher as an Official Partner of Women’s Rugby and Rugby World Cup 2025. The announcement signifies Gallagher’s commitment to developing participation in the women’s game around the world.

As part of the partnership agreement, Gallagher will be anOfficial Partner of World Rugby WXV 2023 & 2024 – the new, three-tier annual global women’s competition featuring 18 teams. Launching later this year, WXV will revolutionize the women’s international rugby landscape, providing for the first time a meaningful pathway for all unions and a competitive springboard toward an expanded Rugby World Cup in 2025.

Coupled with the objectives of World Rugby’s Accelerate program, WXV aims to increase the depth and competitiveness of the international game leading to the Rugby World Cup 2025. WXV will help sustainably ensure a minimum of 10 international fixtures per year for teams, doubling the current fixture program, raising the reach, profile and impact of the global game.

Gallagher will also be the founding partner of the High Performance Academy, a fully immersive development and leadership program established by World Rugby and Gallagher with the stated mission of increasing the prominence of female coaches and other high performance roles at elite levels of the sport that will have a lasting impact on the women’s game.

This will include a focus on talent identification, professional support and championing the next generation of international level coaches as World Rugby looks to raise standards on and off the field, underpinning a more competitive game on the road to Rugby World Cup 2025 and beyond. The program will develop existing coaching talent and identify new women coaches and other high performance roles in rugby, with the aim of improving the overall standard of women’s rugby around the world. The initial focus will be in England, Australia and the U.S. to mirror the host locations for the next three Women’s Rugby World Cups, and the ambition is to make the program truly global.

“We are extremely proud to partner with World Rugby and to provide a pathway for women aspiring to work at elite levels of the sport through the Rugby World Cup, WXV and the Gallagher High Performance Academy,” said Gallagher Chairman, President and CEO J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr. “Gallagher has deep roots within rugby and a rich history in sports partnerships, sharing the core values of driving high performance through teamwork, integrity, inclusivity, respect and professional excellence.”

Reinforcing Gallagher’s commitment to supporting women’s rugby on a global scale, the launch was supported by former New Zealand Rugby player and three-time Rugby World Cup winner, Kendra Cocksedge; and England Rugby’s all-time most capped player, Rugby World Cup winner and former Captain,Sarah Hunter. Both Cocksedge and Hunter were unveiled as ambassadors for Gallagher’s World Rugby partnership.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “We are excited to be partnering with Gallagher to accelerate the growth of women’s rugby. This is an endorsement of the compelling and undeniable opportunity that we have in front of us to grow the game as a whole. All the evidence shows that by leading with women and girls, we can propel the sport to new levels, unlocking new markets, attracting new audiences and developing impactful partnerships. Gallagher shares our vision. This partnership is action-oriented, aligns with our plan and we look forward to working together to drive forward the competitiveness, reach and impact of women in rugby.”

World Rugby Chief of Women's Rugby Sally Horrox added:“From the very start, Gallagher has shown a real commitment to supporting the women’s game. The partnership sees them backing three of our most important programs; WXV, World Rugby's exciting new three-tiered annual tournament, RWC 2025 and what will now be known as the Gallagher High Performance Academy. Gallagher cares deeply about rugby and is committed to increasing the opportunity for women both on and off the field. We look forward to working with them closely on the exciting pathway to 2025 and beyond.”

Celebrating its 10th edition, the expanded Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to be a major attraction in the global sporting calendar reaching and converting new fans. Gallagher has well-established operations across key markets with a strong presence in rugby including in England, Australia and New Zealand (hosts of the delayed Rugby World Cup in 2021), along with a substantial and growing footprint in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions. The partnership represents Gallagher’s international outlook and commitment to diversity, a major driver of the sponsorship of Rugby World Cup 2025.

“We are very excited to be bringing together Gallagher with a world class organization that shares our values,” said Christopher E. Mead, Gallagher Chief Marketing Officer. “This partnership will provide a career track for women and support the growth of women’s rugby around the world. It will also help deepen connections within communities where we live and work, while helping us support local business partners with our expertise and innovative solutions.”

A launch celebration at Gallagher’s headquarters in Rolling Meadows included a Q&A panel with Gallagher Chairman, President, CEO J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin, World Rugby Chief Director of Women's Rugby Sally Horrox and Gallagher Rugby ambassadors Kendra Cocksedge and Sarah Hunter. The event also included a Gallagher Rugby Masterclass demo led by local rugby club, Chicago Lions, and the presence of the Rugby World Cup Trophy, on loan from the reigning champions, New Zealand.

For more women’s and girl's sport news, visit www.womenssportdaily.co.uk

White and Feller from Barnstaple, Devon, join 50 inspiring female referees at Twickenham to celebrate women in rugby

News Desk — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 23:38:21 +0000

At Twickenham Stadium last weekend, Rheanna White and Holly Feller from Barnstaple, Devon joined 48 other inspiring female referees to mark the launch of a new campaign with the aim of attracting more female officials to the sport.

Brought together by The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and ACME Whistles ahead of the clash between England Men and Japan, the 50 referees surrounded the national flags on the pitch, alongside the players and dignitaries during the national anthems, in front of the 81,000 strong crowd.

The project, led by RFU Match Official Developer and referee, Leonie Pryor, is part of a drive to bring more female match officials into the game – ultimately with the goal of inspiring 500 new female rugby referees by the end of 2024 as part of the RFU’s ‘Every Rose strategy’.

“Seeing these amazing women taking to the pitch ahead of the game this weekend in front of a packed Twickenham gave me goosebumps,” said Pryor.

“Each of the referees who joined us is such a credit to the sport and seeing them all come together and share this amazing experience – whilst also sending out a call for others to join in the movement – was incredible.”

Ahead of the game, each of the referees at the stadium were presented with a one-of-a-kind ACME whistle, to recognize their contribution to the sport.

Pryor added, “We all got together pitch side before the game and blew our commemorative ACME whistle to mark the start of this incredible campaign. The sound of 50 whistles reverberating around the ground was enough to stop everyone in their tracks.”

Rheanna, a referee from Barnstaple, Devon,at the event, told us about what motivates her to pick up the whistle saying, “I think the fact that female match officials are the future and I want to be a part of the history that will make rugby the most inclusive game.

“I also want to prove myself to the people who thought I can't do it, and show them that I can, and that they shouldn't judge me just because I'm young or because I'm a women.”

Across England, the number of registered female referees who regularly officiate games is currently lower than the number of registered male referees, something that Leonie and her team are keen to change.

Pryor added, “Having already talked to many of the inspiring women referees from around the UK, it’s the stories of ‘confidence’, ‘teamwork’, ‘community’ and ‘belonging’ that make this such a powerful project.

“You never know – we might even inspire the next Sara Cox, or Hollie Davidson to join refereeing.”

ACME Whistles, whose founder invented the modern-day sports whistle, has supported the campaign through its network which has helped the campaign reach the rugby community across the country.

Ben McFarlane, marketing director at ACME Whistles, added: “The referee is central to any rugby game – whether that’s at a community or international level.

“It’s been an honor to celebrate the amazing stories of the 50 referees who joined us at the weekend, and only hope it helps inspire the next wave of female referees into the sport.”

To find out more about the campaign, visit www.ruck.co.uk/inspire/ or https://keepyourbootson.co.uk/

Exeter Chiefs Women v Bristol

sandypark — Mon, 09 May 2022 16:31:51 +0000

For the final women's home game of the regular season, we're going all out, and we're inviting all of you along for the party!

We're looking to see the stands full of Superheroes as we pack out Sandy Park in a West-Country Battle for the Home Semi-Final Spot!

Food and Drinks will be available from midday plus there will be a Superhero Fancy Dress competition, Live Music from Semi-Toned and half-time fun with Derek the Otter!

Get tickets here - https://tickethub.exeterchiefs.co.uk/selection/event/date?productId=101485408021

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Event Date

Saturday, May 14, 2022 - 12:00pm to 5:30pm

Venue

Sandy Park, Exeter

Red Roses set to inspire the next generation of female rugby players

Mary Youlden — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 23:59:15 +0000

England’s Red Roses will take on New Zealand’s Black Ferns at Exeter’s Sandy Park at the end of the month in a fixture that could “inspire the next generation of female rugby players.”

England Women take on New Zealand in the first of their autumn internationals at Sandy Park on Sunday 31 October - kick-off 2.30pm. Tickets have already gone on sale.

It’s the first of a double-header against the Black Ferns who England then face in Northampton a week later before taking on Canada (14 November, Twickenham Stoop, London) and USA (21 November, Sixways, Worcester).

England are currently ranked first and New Zealand second in the world rankings.

Sandy Park is familiar territory for the Red Roses and has attracted bumper crowds in recent years. On their last visit in November 2019, a late Lydia Thompson try gave England a 17-15 win over France in front of 9,699 spectators.

The Six Nations match against Italy in March 2019 drew a-then record 10,545 attendance for an England Women ticketed home game outside of a Rugby World Cup.

Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Physical Activity, said: “We are tremendously privileged to be getting international rugby in Exeter. This match could inspire the next generation of female rugby players to pick up a ball and get involved in the game.”

Head coach Simon Middleton said: “Going to Exeter has proven to be a huge success in the Test matches we’ve had there to date. The atmosphere in the ground and the way they promote the games is second to none. The buzz we get from just arriving at the stadium on a matchday, it makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. It’s brilliant to be going back there.”

Tickets can be purchased at tickethub.exeterchiefs.co.uk or EnglandRugby.com/tickets

Exeter Chiefs head coach Sue Appleby looks ahead to new Allianz Premier 15s season

Exeter News Blog — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 19:12:55 +0000

EXETER CHIEFS’ emphatic introduction to the Allianz Premier 15s has sparked more players dreaming of Devon, says head coach Susie Appleby.

Chiefs finished sixth last year, their maiden top-flight season, tying fifth-placed Gloucester-Hartpury Women with 50 points apiece but missing out on the top half of the table on points difference.

It’s been a busy offseason for Appleby, whose new signings include hooker Clara Nielson, a Devon native and Exeter University PhD graduate joining the club from Bristol Bears, alongside scrum-half Brooke Bradley, full-back/wing Olivia Jones and Japanese centre Kanako Kobayashi, who will join compatriot Sachiko Kato.

“Sachiko did an amazing job for us,” said Appleby, “and she brought with her also this amazing culture with her from Japan, attitude, enthusiasm, so it’s not by accident.

“We’ve got one more international but we also have players coming to us from different clubs, so they’ve looked on and said, ‘Oh, Exeter, they’re doing alright down there, I’m quite interested in going there.

“For us that’s an achievement in itself, because for us the players want to come and play, we’ve retained an awful lot of our squad and we’re moving forward.”

One of those retained players is American national captain Kate Zackary, one of four Eagles who swapped Stateside for the South Coast.

“Our minimum standard is top four,” said Zackary, whose squad kick off their sophomore campaign away at Bristol Bears.

“Obviously we all want to make it to the final, we all want to play in front of the biggest crowd and earn the biggest accolades, but truthfully sights are set on top four and obviously everything after that is a big bonus.”

Zackary debuted with the Women’s Eagles Sevens in 2015, earning her first cap with the 15s the following year.

A strong Sevens contingent is coming into this Premier 15s season fresh off the plane from the Tokyo Olympics, which Zackary thinks could have an impact on the domestic league.

She said: “The Olympics is the greatest platform out there, as far as rugby goes, next to the World Cup, so it’s the biggest opportunity to showcase the sport.

“In some countries it’s still growing and we need every opportunity to get eyes on the sport, whether that is Sevens or 15s.

“Sevens is the earliest introduction, the easiest introduction for people, so it was great to see the players out again doing the sport they love.

“A lot of great players, a lot of great teams stepped up. I think there were a lot of surprises and I think that will also trickle down to what you see in the Allianz as well as the international level.”

Despite the challenges of Covid, clubs rallied together on and off the field to ensure they continued momentum and completed what was a very competitive campaign last season, culminating in a memorable final in which Harlequins emerged victorious over Saracens.

And Appleby believes the pandemic might have helped her group of individuals become a new team to be reckoned with once again this season.

She said: “They had their own really special group and friendships developing because they had to do everything together, it was almost more exaggerated.

“From that comes the culture of ‘I’m going to watch your back because I’ve become very close to you.

“And that’s massively important when you step over the white line.”

The Allianz Premier 15s is the top-flight women’s domestic rugby union competition in England. For all the latest news from the Allianz Premier 15s, you can follow @Premier15s on Twitter and Instagram. You can also watch live action on Premier15s.com throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

The Exeter Daily - women's rugby

Women's Fixtures Launch

Tags

Image

Event Date

Category

Venue

World Rugby Welcomes Gallagher as Official Partner of Women’s Rugby, WXV and Rugby World Cup 2025

White and Feller from Barnstaple, Devon, join 50 inspiring female referees at Twickenham to celebrate women in rugby

Exeter Chiefs Women v Bristol

Tags

Image

Event Date

Category

Venue

Red Roses set to inspire the next generation of female rugby players

Exeter Chiefs head coach Sue Appleby looks ahead to new Allianz Premier 15s season