In this the 200th anniversary year of Webb Ellis’ ‘fine disregard of the rules’ it was left to the women’s U18 teams from England and Wales to provide the international flavour to the celebrations in what was the first women’s international fixture to be played at Rugby School.
Dressing room huddle pre-match
It was also the first fully capped game between the two countries at U18 level and Wales head coach Catrina Nicholas-McLaughlin blooded 13 new caps in the historic game, which England won 48-5.
WALES WOMEN U18 NEW CAPS V ENGLAND
Chloe Thomas Bradley, Elan Jones, Robyn Davies, Savannah Picton-Powell, Bronwen Griffin, Hannah Lane, Abi Meyrick,Megan Lewis, Cadi-Lois Davies, Katie Sims, Katie Bevans, Hanna Marshall, Nia Fajeyisan
Dressing room huddle pre-match
The Wales try came from a driving maul in the first half. It was perfectly executed, much to the delight of Siwan Lillicrap, the forwards coach and former Wales captain who’s beginning her new journey as a coach.
“It was a huge occasion for Wales women’s rugby and a very important milestone which we will look back at one day and realise how significant it was,” said team manager Delyth Morgan.
Wales Women U18 arrive at the spiritual home of rugby union
“These young women made history. They are at the beginning of a developmental journey that we hope will lead to them becoming future senior representative players.
“There was such huge pride in playing on The Close at Rugby School for the players, their families, friends, schools, clubs, colleges and regions. And, of course, at the WRU.”
Scrum time at The Close
YOU CAN WATCH THE GAME BY CLICKING HERE
The Welsh try came in the first half when England were leading 10-0 thanks to two tries of their own. Wales executed the perfect line-out drill five metres out as Dragons hooker Molly Wakely hit new cap lock from the Ospreys, Robyn Davies as the middle jumper.
The pack drove on and it was Wakely who was able to come up with the try. It was 31-5 to England by the breaks as they took their try tally up to five and they added three more in the second half.
Getting ready for the historic kick-off
