“It’s critical to remain mindful of the present and consider the minor adjustments required to advance women’s rugby.”
The women’s Lions squad will be made up of athletes from Wales, Scotland, England, and Ireland, just as the men’s team. Surrounded by ‘the top players in the world,’ it offers them the chance to represent at the highest level.
Players who are really brilliant for their clubs but don’t always receive the results or recognition they deserve with international rugby, like Sam Monaghan (Gloucester-Hartpury and Ireland lock) and Jasmine Joyce (Bristol Bears and Welsh winger), should find this to be tremendously exciting. Given the great caliber and talent we now possess, I would like to imagine that many Red Roses would be participating in the squad as well.
With that being said, I believe it’s crucial that we remain grounded and consider the immediate improvements that women’s rugby has to make. which are need to short-term develop women’s rugby. I think turning PWR into a professional is the next significant step.
In addition to improving the standards and resources available to us as individuals and players, this entails giving players greater chances to be full-time athletes and increasing our exposure through sponsorship and commercial possibilities. Rugby will improve in quality and become a more appealing game and product for everyone if this is done.
Turning our attention to the rugby, the Saracens team has been developing over the past few weeks. Just before Christmas, we defeated fourth-place Bristol with a convincing victory, and we began to see certain aspects of our game click. We have set our sights high and are determined to realize our greatest potential ever since returning in the New Year.
We met Exeter in a top-of-the-table match at Stone X Stadium last Saturday. There is usually a fierce competition between the clubs, personal grudges, and physical play. The side with the better tactical preparation often wins the match.
In the first half, Exeter was in the lead. Despite the fact that we led at halftime, we were aware that in order to win the second half, we had to prevail physically. In order to regain the upper hand, we needed to halt their ball carriers at the source. We began to play more aggressively and used the trigger when it was necessary. In close games, such moments are crucial. We also took advantage of their errors and converted them into points.
People seem to forget that we don’t try to do that, but I read a few articles following the game wondering why we let them receive a losing bonus point. Although we make an effort to limit it, a single penalty might, regrettably, result in anything that presents an opportunity to someone.
When we play Gloucester-Hartpury this coming Saturday, we will undoubtedly be attempting to ensure that we play the game correctly. Making the correct decision might mean the difference between winning and losing a game, so this weekend we’ll make sure we’re well informed.
During the early stretch of the season, every point matters. We are in a strong position to finish in the top four and compete for a home semifinal even if the first half was undoubtedly not won. We want to head off for the international break with the knowledge that we gave it our all and positioned ourselves as favorably as possible. At Kingsholm on Saturday, that trip continues against Gloucester-Hartpury.
Playing at Kingsholm once more excites me much. I played there for Saracens the last time, in the championship match against Harlequins a few years ago, which we lost. To make amends, I would like to return there. Because of the excellent pitch, rugby can be played quickly and freely.
There will be intense individual matches to watch on the field. There are competitors like May Campbell vs Kelsey Jones or Neve Jones, Sydney Gregson versus Tatyana Heard, and Poppy Cleall versus Alex Matthews. This match promises to be an incredible spectacle for women’s rugby as well as a fantastic game.
I am excited about the forthcoming Six Nations campaign even though my attention is mostly on the next three weeks and representing Saracens. I am driven to put on a white shirt again and run out at Twickenham after being sidelined by injuries during the previous year’s Six Nations. We’re getting together for our first camp at the end of January.
Getting back together and reestablishing our identity as the Red Roses squad will be quite thrilling. As a team, we’ve had a great deal of communication since John Mitchell took over as head coach. This time, there seems to be a genuine enthusiasm about heading into camp.
Everyone appears to be much more conscious of their responsibilities and actions, and we feel like we have a lot more support not only from the coaching staff but also from the departments of psychology, strength and conditioning, and nutrition. The Red Roses team is in a great place right now, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish.
Already, Mitch has had a significant impact. In the last few months, we’ve probably seen the coaches more than we had in the previous few months because they attend games almost every weekend. Players have been allocated to the coaches to work with. Since Louis Deacon communicates with the front five, I talk to him frequently.
When he walks into Sarries, we go over our personal growth objectives and a few game snippets to discuss his future goals. Mitch is one of those persons with whom you feel comfortable enough to speak on the phone since there is undoubtedly a more direct channel. I think we’ve got a good connection going where I can talk to him quite honestly and frankly. The ability to establish an honest relationship and comprehend the requirements of being a member of the Red Roses team is crucial in a competitive setting.