Your Scrumhalf Connection - Women's Rugby Blog

While rugby has grown quite a bit in media coverage over the last few years, coverage of Women's Rugby in general is still behind by leaps and bounds. A few nations are taking this insult to heart and are working to organize a call for more media for women's rugby all around.

The Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation is campaigning across the pond to see women's sports given the respect and coverage that it deserves. They are really campaigning across all media outlets they include newspapers, radio, TV and specifically the BBC. While this might be a campaign across the pond, we can take an example of their example and start a campaign ourselves! Thanks to the Letchworth Girls' Rugby blog for posting about this and bringing this to attention!

Also I blogged about "Match of the Day" where a group of ruggers are asking for a daily show on rugby featuring highlights, clips and dialogue etc. Check out the Match of the Day blog post I wrote for more information on this topic.

USA Rugby has been increasing their media coverage and the recent partnership with ESPN360.com does seem promising...

ESPN Increases its Coverage of USA Rugby

BOULDER, Colo. – Expanding upon its existing relationship with USA Rugby, in which ESPNU would air selected Men’s National Team matches, ESPN Inc., has officially signed on to broaden its coverage to ESPN Classic and its live broadband sports network ESPN360.com.

“This is a great opportunity for USA Rugby to build a partnership with ESPN, the world’s leader in sports programming. Our goal at USA Rugby is to Inspire America to fall in love with Rugby, and our new partnership with ESPN will certainly play a big part in achieving this goal.” USA Rugby’s VP of Business Development David Voth said. For the rest of the article click here.

An article on Wes Clark's Rugby Reader's Review site in 1998 from an interview with Jack Clark highlights the fact that even in 1998 we knew that to keep rugby happening in the US we would have to get on television. So while men's rugby is accessible through many television networks and online providers, women's rugby is still struggling to get a foothold. I was partly upset last year when the Women's Club Championships were broadcast but the servers crashed, but I was partly excited because this meant that women were logging on across our nation and WE crashed the servers!

There is a demand for rugby in the general media, but there is a demand for Women's Rugby as well! What can we do to work together to make this happen? Do we need to flood Youtube with women's rugby videos? I for one just bought a sweet new video camera and will be hopefully posting videos of Your Scrumhalf Connection's video adventures!

Thanks to Rosie for sending me this information about the Experimental Law's Variations (ELVs) happening in August 2008. These were tested out in the Super 14 and really will affect us come August!

Click here for the PDF that describes the new ELVs.

Thanks for this information from Put Me in Coach:
The new ELVs ar slated to go into effect as a "Global Trial" in August of 2008. This global trial applies to 7s and U19s as well as 15s.

Note: This initial set of ELVs to be trialed starting in August DOES NOT include upcoming changes to what happens in rucks. It does address mauls, lineouts (all sorts of modifications), scrums (specific to off sides), and kicking (specific to the 22) in detail.

Also Total Flanker has a hilarious bit (Rugby - for Aliens!) about the new ELV laws that is definitely worth a read!

Also Hail Pelicus weighs in on the injury risks of the ELVs, many people were afraid that the new mauling and rucking laws would increase the injury risk.

Need some video examples highlghting a few of the the new ELVs? Check out an older post I had written that has several good Youtube videos!

Whew, what a GREAT 3 day weekend, I hope you enjoyed your break as much as I did! I did some homework, cleaned house, worked out, did some wine tasting and had some fun with good friends.

The video this week is a shout out to the upcoming Dallas 7s Debutante Ball on June 7, 2008. So far we have 6 women's teams attending and we would love more! Its not just a ball, but a 7s tournament as well!

The teams in the video are Radcliffe and Brown and the game was in 2006, thanks for posting the vid ladies!

Other Rugby Video Mondays:
5/19/2005: AMAZING try in Rugby league
5/12/2008: Sharks vs Minnows
5/5/2008: Trent University Women's Rugby Highlight Reel
4/29/2008: Hong Kong 7s USA Women's National Team
4/21/2008: Greatest Rugby Tackles

So I'm taking a page from one of my favorite CrossFit blogs, Katie's Mindless CrossFit Ramblings and asking my readers who they are, what they want and in general trying to get a feel for my readers. Using my StatCounter website counter I can see how many of you are visiting my page, where you are from, but I don't really know WHO you are and WHAT you want.

So I am going to ask!!

What do you want to read about in regards to Women's Rugby?

Who do you want to read about? High school rugby, club rugby, the Women's National Team etc?

Do you want more videos? More photos, less silly articles?

So now that I have asked a few questions, here is my vision for the evolution of my blog:

1) Guest Bloggers - I want to open up my blog to guest bloggers, I want to know what YOU really think, feel and want. Have a rugby thought, idea, photo, video? Email it to me and I will post it, even better want to write a guest blog?! Email it to me and I will post it!

This blog has evolved in many ways since it started 2 years ago and I want to keep that theme going. I have always envisioned it as somewhere you could find tournaments, schedules, scores, news and more...but lets really take this blog out for a spin! All it takes is an email and we can go for a spin!

And I am trying to think of a cooler name than Guest Blogger, what about Guest Rugger? And this doesn't mean you write once and I ignore you, want to write about your team every week? No problem!

2) Calendar - I have been working on the calendar for some time now, but now that I am so busy in my life I don't have time to add everyone's schedules myself. For awhile teams were emailing me their schedules and I was posting them, but that was too much work. We need somewhere where everyone can post their own schedule, scores, write-ups and more...so lets use this blog!

I will write html, use Google Docs, Google Calendar (already have a calendar started!), anything out there as long as YOU will post scores, updates, schedules etc.

3) Ruckosphere - Remember when Blondie came up with the Ruckosphere? (or did she just promote it? I can't remember!) Let's use that idea and really work together to find Women Rugby Bloggers as we all have something unique to say.

I am not trying to be the best, biggest or coolest Women's Rugby blog, I am merely trying to have a common meeting place that we can all come together for the things we need and want.

4) Videos - As technology gets better and more affordable teams will begin taping their matches, wouldn't it be great to have a place that those videos could be hosted and easily accessed? I would love to create a Youtube for the rugby world, and this blog could be the beginning of that!

5) Photos - Along the same lines, photos are what we all want, and we could do some archiving of events etc.

6) Tournaments - While the calendar is great, a place to search for US Tournaments would be great!

7) Fitness - I am obsessed with fitness, so I really enjoy learning new techniques, workouts etc...I would love to blog about fitness more!

8) Position Specific - This could be a great venue for position specific situations etc, everyone wants to learn to pass better, but what about correct technique for scrumming? Could be great!

The possibilities are endless here, but I do need some help from the outside world...have an idea or a thought, drop me an email or leave it in the comments. Let me know if I am off my rocker, but I really would like to hear your thoughts and ideas!

Oh and I welcome the negative (only makes me stronger!), hate my blog? hate me? Tell me why and maybe you will have spurred a change for the positive!

Also keep an eye out, I purchased a domain the other day, this blog will soon be moving to http://yourscrumhalfconnection.com!

I emailed Bryn Chivers to ask what was going on with the U20 Women's National Team and here is what I got back:

Wendy,

I'm sorry this took me so long but I've been bogged down with a load of small stuff that all seems to have turned into big stuff.

So here is what's up with the U20 WNT:

We are running a one day camp in Westfield Massachusetts on May 25th (click link for flyer).

We are off to South Africa on June 16th to play three games:
June 21 v SA U20's
June 25th v Mpumalanga Senior Women
June 28th v SA U20's

We are taking a very young squad with six players who would be U17 if we had a U17 WNT side:
Sadie Anderson (Fort Collins), Candace Barley (Maryville), BrieAnna Barto (Summit), Anneke Brand (Texas Tech), Stacey Bridges (Texas A&M), Lauren Danielsen (Summit), Jozy Gesner (Summit), Alex Hartley (Brown), Lisa Henneman (Seattle Women), Jay-Marie Hill (Stanford), Mallory Ives (Colorado State), Joanna Kitlinski (Grand Valley State), Alisa Ly (Univ. of Minnesota), Adetayo Mafe (Michigan State), Tyra McGrady (Indiana University), Kayla Morisoli (San Jose State), Kelsey Moss (Stanford), Catherine Parkhill (Armstrong), Maggie Reidy (Divine Savior), Seymira Salami (State College), Marie Timm (USMC), Catherine Turnerdrown (Riverton), Jessica Watkins (Stanford) and Brittany Woodard (Hyde School).

**Note: The team has changed since the original post. Jessica Watkins, Kelsey Moss and Stacy Bridges are unavailable and so we added Blaine Martin (Brown), Katie Johnson (Hopkins, MN), Brittany Rose (West Chester East, PA) and Rachel Sommer (West Linn, OR).

We are working on our 2008 Flight Camp and this is tentatively scheduled for the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN July 23rd - 27th. We are still trying to tie up the loose ends on this and I will make sure you get a flayer when we get it nailed down.

We will again send a developmental side to the U19 Invitational NASC in November.

Bryn Chivers
Head Coach, USA U20 Women's National Team

**Just found an article on the web about the newly formed South Africa Women's U20 National Team. Might not be the same team playing our U20t team, but nice to read up on their preparations.

**USA U-20 Women's National Team Game 1 vs South Africa, go here.

**USA U-20 Women's National Team Game 2 vs Developmental team, go here.

**USA U-20 Women's National Team Game 3 vs South Africa, go here.

Day 1 Results: http://westrugby.blogspot.com/2008/05/2008-mens-club-championships-division-i.html

Division I
Olympic Club 43, Maryland Exiles 20
Glendale 29. South Side Irish 21
Pearl City 17, Hayward 15
Life University 40, Las Vegas 5

Consolation
Aspen 29, Palmer 24
Long Island 26, Park City Haggis 20
Los Angeles 53, White Plains 0
Mystic River 17, Austin 12

Division II
Red Mountain 69, Jacksonville 10
Detroit Tradesmen 22, Tulsa 20
Wisconsin 33, Riverside 7
Brandywine 10, Sacramento 8

Consolation
Norfolk Blues 43-10
South Shore Anchors 36, New Orleans 21
Clinton MR 37, North County Gurkhas 26
Charlotte, 48, Harford 31

Division III
Michiana 29, Middlesex 22
Reno 31, Jersey Shore 19

Consolation
Eagle Rock 40, Fort Worth 15
Montclair 23, Montgomery 7


All in all it was a great weekend, HOT as balls, but the sun was shining and the rugby was great. My votes for TOP MATCHES of the weekend were Glendale vs South side Irish & Life vs Las Vegas...great rugby!!

Updates from Annemarie again and full results!

Photos: http://www.paolopolla.com/
Women Eagles Writeup: http://womeneagles.com/
Tour Blog: What Happens on Tour
Day 1 Results: http://westrugby.blogspot.com/2008/05/amsterdam-7s-results-day-one.html

MATCHES IN POOL 1
USA 44 to 0 Corsolettes
Wooden Spoon 5 to 5 Brazil Gold
USA 24 to 0 Brazil Gold
Wooden Spoon 27 to 5 Corsolettes
Brazil Gold 40 to 5 Corsolettes
USA 33 to 0 Wooden Spoon

MATCHES IN POOL 2
Aotearoa Maori Womens Sevens 12 to 5 Canada
Samurai St George's Ladies 42 to 0 Susies Valkyries
Aotearoa Maori Womens Sevens 40 to 0 Susies Valkyries
Samurai St George's Ladies 26 to 0 Canada
Canada 38 to 0 Susies Valkyries
Samurai St George's Ladies 7 to 19 Aotearoa Maori Womens Sevens

Pier Semi Finals
USA 5 to 14 Samurai St George's Ladies
Aotearoa Maori Womens Sevens 48 to 0 Brazil Gold

Pier Final
Samurai St George's Ladies 24 to 5 Aotearoa Maori Womens Sevens

Plate Quarter Finals
Czech Republic National Team 24 to 21 OA Airlines Business Class
AAC Amsterdam Ladies 7 to 29 Pink Ba-bas
Moody Cows 17 to 31 Brazil Blue
Norwegian Raiderettes 0 to 42 Pirates

Semi Finals
Czech Republic National Team 7 to 26 Pirates
Brazil Blue 19 to 7 Pink Ba-bas

Plate Final
Pirates 31 to 5 Brazil Blue

Photos: http://www.paolopolla.com/
Women Eagles Writeup: http://womeneagles.com/
Tour Blog: What Happens on Tour
Day 1 Results: http://westrugby.blogspot.com/2008/05/amsterdam-7s-results-day-one.html

Yes I know, Rugby Video Monday is late! But I was busy all weekend and my co-worker is sick today, so I am slammed at work.

Found this video the other day on Youtube, Australia Rugby League match vs New Zealand. Watch towards the end of the clip for an incredible try! Greg Inglis fumbles the ball and while in the air over the dead-ball line, recovered the ball and flicked it over his head to Mark Gasnier for an amazing try. Australia won 28-12.

Other Rugby Video Mondays:
5/12/2008: Sharks vs Minnows
5/5/2008: Trent University Women's Rugby Highlight Reel
4/29/2008: Hong Kong 7s USA Women's National Team
4/21/2008: Greatest Rugby Tackles

Div I
Las Vegas 23 vs White Plains 20
Hayward 44 vs Austin 12
Mystic River 6 vs Pearl City 48
Long Island 8 vs Glendale 85
Park City Haggis 22 vs South Side 27
Maryland Exiles 40 vs Palmer 14
Olympic Club 48 vs Aspen 15

Div II
Brandywine 34 vs Clinton MR 20 (not sure this is the final score...)
Jacksonville 32 vs Albuquerque Aardvarks 17
Norfolk Blues 5 vs Red Mountain 55
Charleston 22 vs Wisconsin 36
Riverside 45 vs Hartford 24
New Orleans 14 vs Tulsa RFC 47
Detroit Tradesmen 51 vs South Shore Anchors 27

Div III
Jersey Shore 47 vs Montgomery 5
Middlesex 23 vs Fort Worth 18
Eagle Rock 19 vs Michiana 53


If you park in any normal "paid parking" lot at Zilker this weekend, you will be charged for parking no matter if you are volunteering or not. However, here is a quick parking guide for you:

Free parking: available under Mopac bridge at either end of the pedestrian bridge. Also, if you get to Zilker before 8:00am, you won't be charged. You are welcome to ride your bike, walk from a neighborhood, canoe or parachute in for free.

$3 parking: park on the south side of Barton Springs Rd (by Barton Springs Pool, etc), you will be charged the normal PARD $3 fee. one note: if you work for the city of Austin and have a city of Austin ID card, you are exempt from the $3 charge

$8 or $10 parking: We will charge $8 (for a one-person car) or $10 per car (if more than one person) to park on either Lou Neff Rd or the overflow parking on the south side of Barton Springs Rd (off Stratford Ln). Remember, it doesn't matter if you are volunteering or not, you will be charged $8 or $10 if you park here. Note that $3 of that money goes to the city.

Results from DAY TWO can be found here.

Annemarie from Amsterdam Rugby emailed me the results from Day One and so here they are for you! BTW, thanks to Annemarie for emailing me the results!!

Also she let me know that there are some banging pictures at www.paolopolla.com...so be sure and check that out.

Also make sure to keep checking What Happens on Tour because they are writing daily blogs and they are really cute. I especially like the one about helping Julie McCoy (USA 7s Women's National Team Head Coach) find her long lost sweetheart.


Results from DAY TWO can be found here.

And don't miss the USA Rugby National Guard Men's and Womens' Division I College Championships, which will be aired on May 21 and 22, on ESPNU at 10 p.m. EDT.

For more information on USA Rugby, log on to www.usarugby.org.

Annemarie from AAC Rugby (Amsterdam Rugby) let me know that the schedule for Amsterdam 7s had finally been released! See it here at the Amsterdam 7s website or look below as I have reproduced it:


For more information on the 7s tournament and the teams attending, check out this post. Also check out the USA Women Eagles Tour blog at What Happens on Tour.

I will be at the Men's Club Championships in Austin this weekend touch judging (where we are getting sweet National Guard jerseys and other swank!), so if you know scores, post them in the comments of email me!

Day ONE results are here.

Day TWO results are here.

Since the tournament is in Austin this year, I thought I would cover it as much as I can. I will be touch judging, so the scores might be a little late, but I will try and blog about them throughout the day. Feel free to leave results in the comments!



Division I Seedings

1 CR1 #1 Olympic Club
2 CR2 #1 Glendale Raptors
3 CR1 #2 Hayward
4 CR3 #1 Life
5 CR1 #3 Las Vegas
6 CR3 #2 Pearl City
7 CR1 #4 Park City Haggis
8 CR3 #3 Palmer
9 CR4 #1 Maryland Exiles
10 CR3 #4 South Side Irish
11 CR4 #2 Mystic River
12 CR4 #3 White Plains
13 CR1 #5 Los Angeles
14 CR2 #2 Austin Blacks
15 CR4 #4 Long Island
16 CR2 #3 Gentlemen of Aspen

Division II Seedings

1 Mid-Atlantic #1 Brandywine
2 Pacific #1 Red Mountain
3 Southern Cal #1 Riverside
4 West #1 Tulsa
5 Midwest #1 Detroit Tradesmen
6 Midwest #2 Wisconsin
7 South #1 Jacksonville
8 Southern Cal #2 North County Gurkhas
9 Pacific #2 Sacramento
10 West #2 Albuquerque Aardvarks
11 South #2 Charleston
12 Northeast #1 South Shore Anchors
13 South #3 New Orleans
14 Northeast #2 Hartford
15 Mid-Atlantic #2 Norfolk Blues
16 Midwest #3 Clinton Muddy River

Division III Seedings

1 Northeast #1 Middlesex
2 Pacific #1 Reno
3 Mid-Atlantic #1 Jersey Shore
4 Midwest #1 Michiana
5 Southern Cal #1 Eagle Rock
6 South #1 Montgomery
7 Northeast #2 Montclair
8 West #1 Fort Worth


If you park in any normal "paid parking" lot at Zilker this weekend, you will be charged for parking no matter if you are volunteering or not. However, here is a quick parking guide for you:

Free parking: available under Mopac bridge at either end of the pedestrian bridge. Also, if you get to Zilker before 8:00am, you won't be charged. You are welcome to ride your bike, walk from a neighborhood, canoe or parachute in for free.

$3 parking: park on the south side of Barton Springs Rd (by Barton Springs Pool, etc), you will be charged the normal PARD $3 fee. one note: if you work for the city of Austin and have a city of Austin ID card, you are exempt from the $3 charge

$8 or $10 parking: We will charge $8 (for a one-person car) or $10 per car (if more than one person) to park on either Lou Neff Rd or the overflow parking on the south side of Barton Springs Rd (off Stratford Ln). Remember, it doesn't matter if you are volunteering or not, you will be charged $8 or $10 if you park here. Note that $3 of that money goes to the city.

Day ONE results are here.

Day TWO results are here.

This just in...an anonymous emailer (and its on Womeneagles.com now too!) let me know that the USA 7s Team has put together a blog for their travels while in Amsterdam.

Check it out, it is called What Happens on Tour.

Thanks for reading and passing the link on to me! Funny video, who knew that rucking pads were inflatable? I bet it would be a ton of fun to try and pop that using various rucking techniques!

Click here for more information on the Amsterdam Tournament this weekend.

Day ONE results are here.

Day TWO results are here.

Its that time again, its Rugby Video Monday! I know you all have been waiting all weekend for this event to happen. While this segment of the Your Scrumhalf Connection blog is not as exciting as the weekly postings of Post Secret, I hope it does bring a little joy to your heart. And who doesn't love a good rugby video?

This week the video comes from a new friend I met in Austin a few weeks ago at the Huns/HARC game. Gerry and Brutus (his big dog!) met Jake first and then I met Gerry as well. Thanks for reading Gerry and hope to see you around Texas Rugby more soon! I have always like this video and always loved doing the drill, thanks for bringing an old classic back Gerry.

Don't forget you can submit your own rugby video by just emailing me!

It was officially the hottest day of the year in Austin so far today, it hit 99 degrees! This is the kind of heat that I love, when you go outside and your skin instantly starts prickling...it begins breaking into a sweat to try and combat the heat. A few hours ago the sky grew dark, the clouds rolled in and the sky swelled...only to shrink once all the rain was expelled.

I sat on the back porch letting the rain drip onto me, at first it was just a light drizzle, but it soon turned into a heavy downpour. The dogs quickly moved underneath the covered area of the porch, but I stayed out underneath it, letting my skin drink in the rain.

I relished the rain tonight and really enjoyed nature tonight. I have often said that I need the sunshine to feel alive. I can't help but think I was a lizard in my former life as I would love to soak in the sun all day if I could.

I apologize, it is 2:43am and I have a bit of insomnia. My rugby team is in Atlanta and The Girl is in Denver playing with the West All Star team. It is strange to be in Austin while my teammates and closest friend are off in other parts of the nation. While I have enjoyed the break from life, obligations and rugby it is strange to be so alone. I can do whatever I want!

Anyways, The valks lost to Atlanta 32-24 in the first game but then beat them in the second game 24-0. The West lost to the Midwest by a try, 22-17, heard it was a really good game and will be available to watch online next week. The West and Midwest will play again tmorrow morning at 10am, so we will see who wins that game!

So this may be one of my more personal blogs, these don't usually get posted, just filed away and forgotten. Heres to the rest of the world who is sleeping, working, and living. Take a moment to soak in the sun, rain, wind, snow...whatever nature brings you, it will be worth it.

While the USA announced their Women's 7s Roster for Amsterdam 7s a few weeks ago, other nations across the globe are announcing their squads as well:

USA Squad:
Stacy Bennett (NOVA), Tyshawn Henry (New York), Ellie Karvoski (Little Rock), Phaidra Knight (New York), Teena Mastrangelo (Chicago North Shore), Melissa McKibben (Kansas City Jazz), Ines Rodriguez (Keystone), Christy Ringgenberg (Minnesota Valkyries), Jenn Starkey (NOVA), Lindsey Stephenson (Orlando), JoAnne Ward (Albany) & Jess Watkins (Stanford)

England Squad (thanks to Women's Rugby Review):
Claire Allan - Saracens, Charlotte Barras - Saracens, Rachael Burford - Saracens, Susan Day - Wasps, Heather Fisher - Wasps, Sonia Green - Saracens, Emma Layland - Richmond, Sarah Marsh - Wasps, Alice Richardson - Richmond, Michaela Staniford - Wasps, Danielle Waterman - Clifton & Joanne Yapp - Worcester

Canada Squad (Rugby Canada):
Jocelyn Barrieau Town of Mount Royal RFC (QC), Nat Bendavid Aurora Barbarians (ON), Susy Bienstock Town of Mount Royal RFC (QC), Rosie Cobbett Burnaby Lake RC (BC), Maria Gallo Lep-Tigers RC (AB), Genevieve Gay Bayside (BC), Brooke Hilditch Yeomen (ON), Barbara Mervin Velox (BC), Heather Moyse Toronto Scottish (ON), Ashley Patzer Lethbridge RC (AB), Brittany Waters Meraloma Athletic Club (BC) & Julianne Zussman
Town of Mount Royal RFC (QC).

**Can't find a match schedule or anything like that online, if you find one in your daily surfing, send it my way!

On the Amsterdam Sevens site they have a pretty cute write-up of all the Women's 7s teams attending. I have replicated it here for your amusement (NOTE: I DID NOT WRITE THIS):

AAC (NL)
Winnen, winnen, winnen (win, win, win) is their motto and you know what? It works. This year the women's team from the host club won the Dutch national championship. Providing that they've all recovered from their celebratory hangovers, they'll probably do well with the 7's too.

AAC Corsolettes (INT)
Once Upon a Bloody Mary Monday - This team was founded in the deepest and darkest corner of the Cafe Corso in Amsterdam's red light district. The Corso-lettes are an invitational team mostly from NL and Scotland. I'm not sure whether that makes them Nederlottish or Scutch however, they've done well in recent years and play some good rugby.

Aotearoa Maori Women's Sevens (NZ)
The team was formed 8 years ago to enhance and hone the skills of the indigenous women of New Zealand. So far they have won every tournament they've ever taken part in, including the last 6 Hong Kong 7's. The Amsterdam 7's is known for breaking those kind of records and whatever happens, this team is well worth watching.

Boudicca Ladies (Eng)
Mostly from the north end of England, these ladies are out there to play as much rugby as they can and to have as much fun and they can too. Last year's kit included pink ears and tails, we'll see what they come up with this year.

Brazil (BRA)
They've come a long way and hopefully they'll bring some of the sunshine with them. These girls are hungry for rugby and like to win. They're also the South American qualifier for the 7s world cup in 2009

Canada (north of USA)
They're back for more again this year. Canada did really well in last year's tournament but unfortunately just got pipped at the post and didn't make it to the finals. This year, they'll be going out to set the record straight.

Czech Republic (Europe)
Well this is another team which does what it says on the tin. They're from the Czech Republic, They're a women's rugby team and they're here to play.

Hanze Ladies (NL)
This a Dutch combo team from the east of the Netherlands. They're young enthusiastic and made it to the final of the Plate last year where they lost to Watch Out Pedestrians. This year, the girls have clocked up another year of experience and will be looking to improve on last year's excellent result.

Moody Cows (INT)
This is a first for us as well as the Moodies. They were originally formed to compete in the Dubai Sevens and have played there in 2004, 2005 and 2007. This year, they're ditching the sun-cream and the sandals and replacing them with wellies and umbrellas as their mission in rugby takes them their first venture nearer to home.

Norwegian Raiderettes (NOR)
Yes, the rugby season in Norway is a short one but don't let that fool you into thinking that they lack game experience. The girls wrestle with polar bears and chuck penguins around for a warm-up. How they actually handle a rugby ball is anyone's guess but they've said their up for it.

O.A. Airlines Business/Economy Class (ENG)
The St Albanian's aka the Brownies aka whatever they came as last year, are regulars now. I'm sworn to secrecy every year about their various themes but since they won' read this until they're actually here. It's quite safe to write it. They like to bring 2 teams. 1 for fun and 1 for well.....fun.

Pink Ba-ba's (INT)
2nd year for the ladies in pink. This team was set up by a group of mates who all played in different teams but wanted to play together sometimes. They're not actually bad at what they do either. They reached the silver pier pool last year and no doubt will do so again.

Pirates (ENG)
Formed in 2006, the pirates have 2 rules, you have to play good rugby and your socializing skills have to be on a decent level too. The pool of players comes mostly from the south east of England but they do let in the occasional northern monkey.

Richmond Women RFC (ENG)
Another regular name in our program books. Richmond had a tradition of winning the AAC Dames 7s when we were still a wee tournament all on our own. Last year was the first visit from them in a few years and as tradition would have it, they didn't win. BUT they did get to the final, narrow missing out on taking home the silver pier in one of the most exciting games of the tournament.

Samurai St George's Ladies (ENG)
Previous winners of the Amsterdam sevens. They've even done the double (men's and women's titles). They are an invitational team and this year they're over with a lot of young talent from England.

Susie's Valkyries (INT)
This is another first for us this year although the name Susie's shows up a lot on the men's lists. They've played in other tournaments and according to my spies, they've done reasonably well and usually have a couple of international stars in their line up.

Wooden Spoon (INT)
The winning finalists of 2007. What more can you say to that. They've won loads of tournaments and give all that lovely prize money to charity helping underprivileged children. Last year's final against Richmond was spectacular and they certainly played their hearts out. This year's competition is certainly hot but its their title to defend.

U.S.A. (have a guess)
We've not had these girls over for years and years and its good to have them back. No doubt like a lot of teams, they're getting ready for the Sevens World Cup and you can never start too early.

Day ONE results are here.

Day TWO results are here.

Friday:
10:00- U23- South v NRU
10:30- Sr- West v MARFU
12:00- U23- West v TBD
12:30- Sr- South v MA Dev
2:00- U23- MARFU v Pacific
2:30- Sr.- MW v So Cal
4:00- U23- MW v So Cal
4:30- Sr. NRU v PC

Sunday:
8:30- U23 7/8th place
9:00- Sr 7/8th place
10:00- U23 5/6th place
10:30- Sr 5/6th place
11:30- U23 Championship
12:00- U23 3/4th
1:00-Sr. Championship
1:30- Sr 3/4th place


1 Mid-Atlantic
2 Southern Cal
3 Midwest
4 Pacific
5 West
6 Northeast
7 South
8 Under 19


1 Midwest
2 Pacific
3 Northeast
4 Southern Cal
5 South
6 Mid-Atlantic
7 West
8 Mid-Atlantic Dev

The tournament will be played in Pittsburgh, PA at Founders Field, for a view in your external browser, click here. Or just look here:


View Larger Map

Ruggers,

Its that time of year again, time for 7s tournaments galore! This year the Austin Valkyries (Satiated Beavers) are working with the Dallas men's team to co-host Dallas 7s Lonestar Classic.

When: June 7, 2008
What: 7s Tournament and DEBUTANTE BALL

Last year we had TEN women's teams and we are hoping to have the same number this year! There is a $25 discount if you pay in advance via paypal at www.dallasrugby.org (click on Lone Star Classic), otherwise, registration will be $200 for Men's teams and $150 for Women's teams.

This year we are also opening up the field to Girls Rugby HS Rugby. Please contact Wendy Young if you are interested in bringing a team as we have reduced rates.

As usual, they are planning to host the pub crawl which we have been told is reason enough to attend this event...

DEBUTANTE BALL - Last year we had over 50 women participate in the ball, it was dresses galore! Not sure what a Debutante Ball is, check out the write-up and some pictures from last year!

*image credit goes to Alixandra Lamsa

The Lone Star Classic is proud to have been named a TOLA Championship Series qualifier (go to http://www.tola7s-rugby.com/ for more information).

Please contact Filip Keuppens or Wendy Young with questions or for registration.

Cheers,
Wendy

CONFIRMED TEAMS as of 6/4/2008:
Houston
Texas A&M
Satiated Beavers 1
Satiated Beavers 2
The Free Martins (UT)
Texas Tech
Little Rock

*maybes are:
University of Oklahoma
University of Nevada
Dallas

**For a comprehensive list of 2008 7s Tournaments, click here!!

**For results, videos and pictures of the Lonestar 7s and Bloodfest 7s, go here!

from Jules Lehman:

Dear potential West 7's player,

Tryouts for the 2008 West 7's team will occur June 28-29 in Denver, CO. The selection process will include fitness testing and tournament play on Saturday, June 28th. 21 players will be selected based on tournament play for a selection camp on Sunday, June 29. Teams are invited from all regions of the West. If you are interested in trying out but unable to come to the tournament with a team, you will be placed on a team. You may also participate in the tournament without trying out for the West 7's team. Tournament entry fee in $75.00 per team.

2008 West coaching staff includes Laura Hertel and Jules Lehman. Laura has 18 years rugby playing experience including West 15's, West 7's and player pool national 15's. Coaching experience includes ERRFU backs coach and Glendale Raptors backs specialist. Jules Lehman has 15 years of rugby playing experience including West 15's, West 7's, Atlantis 7's and player pool National 7's team. Paula Bailey will serve as team manager. In addition, National 7's team coach Julie McCoy will be assisting with the player selection camp on Sunday, July 28.

Players must be available the following dates for West 7's play:
Chicago 7's tournament July 19-20
7's ITT's in Pittsburgh August 22-24

Please contact Laura Hertel with your interest in participating in West 7's. We will provide additional details concerning tournament/camp details.

Thank you in advance,
Laura Hertel

Julie Lehman

Paula Bailey

Glendale vs Boston 22-12

**Here is a writeup from a West Representative who watched the match, the Boston writeup is below it:

Boston played as the Northeast #4 seed. Glendale was the West #2 seed.

Boston won the challenge match 22-12 after leading at half-time 22-5. Boston opened the scoring within the first two minutes when hooker Diana Parkhurst scored near the posts. Lock Erin Broderick converted. Six minutes later scrum half Ashley Groefsema scored her first of two tries both in the corner. Ashley scored again about twelve minutes later with the conversion missed to go ahead 17-0. Glendale finally came to life with a try by flanker Amy Root, but that conversion was missed also. 17-5 Five minutes later Boston's #8 Kate Smith scored what was to be Boston's last score to advance their lead to 22-5.

The second half was scoreless until Glendale's scrum half Kathryn Pavao scored with about five minutes left. The conversion missed. 22-12. Glendale was unable to capitalize on Boston playing down two yellow carded backrow players for almost ten minutes at the beginning of the half. The match ended with Glendale close to several scores but with no success. Final score 22-12 to Boston

Referee: Joe Zevin. TJs -- Taffy Benyon and D. Slager. #4 - Bill Haffner.

Three yellow cards were dispensed -- all to Boston mostly for oft repeated infringements. Recipients were: Kate Smith, Stephanie Lafferty, and Heather Stevens.

Boston came out to Denver on Thursday night well prepared with almost two full teams. At the noon kickoff there were more Boston supporters than home town folk. Boston was much quicker than Glendale, tackled the much larger Glendale players like demons for the most part and had better overall team speed and fitness. Their approach to the game was more expansive than Glendale's. In the first half Glendale's backs displayed some of the worst bad hands/random passing seen in a long, long time. Glendale's wing Bethany Zick and the tireless/ageless Amy Root stood out for the home team.

This follows up an earlier match between the Emerald City Mudhens and Belmont Shore, which the Mudhens won 15-10 in overtime.

**Here is a writeup from the Assitant Coach of the Boston Women:

The all important Challenge Match for a vital Nationals seed began at 12.30pm on Saturday, May 3 between #16 Glendale and #17 Boston Women's RFC. Under a cloudless sky in almost Floridian warmth the sunscreen was slapped on and trainer Nicole Titmas taped up battered Boston bodies to get its best XV on the park. Boston arrived in Colorado after preparing assiduously for three months to erase all memory of last year's "oh so close" Challenge Match result against the Kansas City Jazz.

Boston WRFC was hosted by the City of Glendale and the Glendale Raptors Rugby Club. Glendale has chosen rugby as its official sport - making it a unique place to play rugby in the USA. The venue, Infinity Rugby Stadium was erected after the City raised more than $20 million in municipal bonds, according to local sources. The stadium is perfect for rugby, a real slice of heaven - and the visitors felt blessed to be there.

Boston's mood in the days and weeks leading up to the match was one of focused intent and a higher level of concentration than hitherto seen. Players knew they had a job to do and the dedication to the task was evident in the club's buildup. All the moving parts, from starting players to reserves, second-side squad members and coaches, and particularly the administrative workings that made it all possible, were in concert to achieve a common goal - victory in Glendale! In Saturday's locker room you could cut the tension with a knife - but it was nervousness mixed with a steely resolve. Boston WRFC had come to play!

The stadium broadcast announcer, clearly a hometown cheerleader, immediately set the expectations for the fans in the stands by declaring boldly before kickoff that Glendale "has not conceded 10 points on this field all spring". How Boston would respond to this provocation would be the tale of the tape.

Boston's kick-off exponent, A. Hokansen put the ball on target to get things underway and a real battle royale began. Boston was immediately on the front foot on both sides of the ball, making gain line consistently and spoiling Raptors offense with hustle and defensive aggression. A solid multi-phase drive down the center of the field by Boston in the opening minutes resulted in a pick & drive, hammer try to captain D. Parkhurst that announced to all assembled that Boston could and would dominate. Converted try, 7-0 Boston.

Minutes later, Boston Women proved their opening drive was no fluke by laying another one on the Raptors in similar fashion; multi-phase, forward dominated punches and picks resulting in an E. Broderick try that was not converted. 12-0 Boston after 10 minutes: The broadcaster was weeping. Just moments later, Boston's number one #10, M. Roussin flew around the short side and put A. "Trashley" Groefsma away for a 40 meter sprint to touch down under the posts with a heaving #8 left despairing in her wake. 17-0. The stadium was silent but for the raucous cheers of the visitors' camp.

On a day when Boston's kicking game was on song, territorial pressure again had Glendale pinned back on their line, forcing a series of high stakes mistakes. L. Dobbs was Jilly-on-the-spot to ground a charged-down kick on the try line to score another try, converted by E. Broderick. 22-0 Boston and just 30 minutes gone.

This was when the game really began. A shocked Glendale regathered and started to play solid rugby. With consistent possession for the first time, Glendale challenged the gain line, threatening to break through. The pressure told at about the 35-minute mark with a Glendale score to make it 22-5. After further pressure from a renewed Glendale, Boston's defense began to break down, forcing mistakes and creeping illegalities in the contact zone. Boston's #8, K. "Smiddy" Smith was sent to the sin bin on a yellow card for repeated infringements in the ruck at the 38-minute mark.

Boston's defensive line held a player down for three minute of injury time, only for the referee to send another Boston backrower, S. Lafferty to the bin with only seconds to play in the first half. Boston began the second half two players down; BWRFC had to survive five minutes 13 against 15 and a further four minutes one down. Incredibly, Boston displayed immense composure under extreme stress to pass the five minute mark without conceding a score, and then again, passed the nine minute mark with the score remaining at 22-5. Boston had weathered the storm - nine minutes when the West was won.

And yet - with the numbers evened up it looked good for Boston - fatigue led to several mistakes by the visitors that allowed Glendale a sniff that they might climb back into the game. With 13 minutes gone in the second half, Boston received a third yellow card to Heather Stevens for not releasing the ball on the ground. Just when the storm had passed the dark clouds gathered again. The initiative now lay with Glendale as they enjoyed a stream of possession against a tiring Boston. The penalties against Boston mounted and it seemed certain Glendale would score. Indeed, the try came about halfway through the half with a quick tap Glendale penalty beside the left post, and with the conversion successful, Boston was left with 20 minutes to play defending a 22-12 lead.

Nervous Boston fans eyed the clock as Glendale repeatedly hammered the Boston line. One moment of real rugby class highlighted the distance BWRFC has traveled over the past year: with no fly half or backline player available to clear Boston's lines, tighthead prop M. Conley nervelessly called for the ball deep off the ruck and hoofed it to safety, revealing a veteran player's mastery of the skills and the moment.

With 40 minutes elapsed and the scoreboard reading only "Injury Time", surely Boston had it wrapped up. One more tackle and it should be over. Extra time stretched for an eon, but the job was done and the whistle sounded the knell of a famous Boston victory! 22-12 Boston. Congratulations to BWRFC and Head Coach, Bruce Church.

By Fred Clark (Assistant Coach)

2008 Seedings

1 Pacific #1
2 Northeast #1
3 Northeast #2
4 Midwest #1
5 Northeast #3
6 Pacific #2
7 Mid-Atlantic #1
8 South #1
9 Midwest #2
10 Midwest #3
11 Mid-Atlantic #2
12 Southern Cal #1
13 Mid-Atlantic #3
14 West #1
15 Pacific #3
16 Northeast #4

It is Monday again, and while you stuck at work droning on and on about TPS reports, take a break and view RUGBY VIDEO MONDAY!

The video this week is of Trent University Highlight Reel of 2007 (couldn't find a team website), I dare say that this video has it all! In this video the scrumhalf digs up PAST her shoulders (she almost disappears in the ruck), there is a fancy fancy back line move, a drop goal some big hits...and they play on football fields?

Pretty awesome video, thanks to Sally for recommending it! Want to recommend your own video for Rugby Video Monday? Simply send the link to Your Scrumhalf Connection!

A few of you have asked for a listing of 7s Tournaments in or around Texas. Here ya go!! Feel free to email me if you know of another tournament, in Texas or not.

May 17 - Airborne 7s - Fayetteville, NC
*Men’s division-$150; women’s division and U-19 women’s -Free; U-19 division $50 ($50 penalty after May 7)

May 24 - Atlanta 7s Tourney/Clinic - College Park, GA
*$50 for High School - $100 for Women’s/Collegiate - $125 for Men’s - $$$ due before 1st Match. RSVP to ttdickson@bellsouth.net before May 16th.

May 24 - Memorial Day 7s - Charleston SC
*$150.00 USD - Open Women's

June 7 - Lonestar 7s - Ft. Worth, TX
Last year we had TEN women's teams, and we are hoping to do it again this year. We will be having the DEBUTANTE BALL after the tournament again!

*pre-register at http://dallasrugby.org and entry fee is $125, late entry fee is $150.

RESULTS, VIDEOS, PICTURES, COMMENTARY ETC CAN BE FOUND HERE.

June 7 - Renegade 7s - Atlanta GA
*Womens (Club and Collegiate): Womens clubs pay $225 before May 31st, $275 afterwards - Collegiate clubs pay $100 before May 31st, $150 afterwards

June 14 - Varano 7s - Houston, TX
*before June 6 entry fee is $100, after June 6, entry fee is $125
**featuring jello wrestling after the tournament
***thanks to Alena for this info.

June 21 - Bloodfest 7s - Austin, TX
*pre-register for $175 before June 15, after that its $225.

RESULTS, VIDOES, PICTURES, COMMENTARY ETC CAN BE FOUND HERE.

June 21 - Midnight 7s - Las Vegas, NV
*registration is due June 1, 2008 and is $500 per team.

June 21 - Triad 7s - Greensboro NC
*before June 1 - $200 per team, After June 1 - $250

June 21 - Hotter Than Hell 7s - Columbus GA

June 28 - Todd Miller 7s - Sanford FL

June 28 - Magic City 7s - Birmingham AL

June 28 - Redfish 7s - Baton Rouge, LA

June 28 - Lakefront 7s - Veteran's Park, Milkwaukee
*Girls HS Teams $200, Women's Teams $250
**thanks to Michelle for this info

RESULTS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

June 28 - Lucky 7s Rugby - Columbia, SC
*$150 if paid before June 1, $250 if paid after June 1st
**A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to Breast Cancer Research

July 7 Sneath Memorial 7s Denver, CO

July 5-6 - Cape Fear 7’s North Carolina
*registration is due June 16 and is $250, if paid after that entry fee is $300.

Results can be found here.

July 12 - Ruggerama 7s - Washington, DC
*First Side: before July 1st: $200, after July 1: $225
*Second Side: before July 1st: $175, after July 1: $200
*U19 Side: before July 1st: $75, after July 1: $100

July 12 - Kildare's Cheesesteak 7s - Philidelphia, PA
*$200 by June 30th, $180 for 2nd team, $225 the day the tournament.

July 18-19 - 7s Challenge Cup - Chicago, IL
The US Women's 7s TU committee, in conjunction with the US Women's 7s Coaching Staff are holding an informal "7s Challenge Cup" tournament in Chicago, Illinois, July 18,19.

The US U23, and TU teams will be competing as a "warmup" venue for 7s ITTs to be held in Pittsburgh, PA, Aug 23-25.

RESULTS FOR 7S CHALLENGE CUP ARE HERE.

July 19 - Cape Cod 7s Tourney - Eastham, MA
* before June 16 $200 (1 team), $350 (2 teams) & $450 (3teams) if after that entry fee is $225 (1 team), $375 (2 teams), $475 (3teams).
**July 5, 2008 is the last day to enter the tournament.
***Theme this year is Rock Stars!
****Thanks to Annie for providing this info.

PARTIAL RESULTS, BEAVER WRITE-UP CAN BE FOUND HERE.

July 19 - 7s by the sea - Corpus Christi, TX
*registration is due July 4 and is $175, if paid after that date, it is $200.

July 19 - Tornado Ally 7s - Norman, OK
*entry fee TBD.

July 21 - Kansas City 7s Kansas City, KS
*Women's brackets have a $100 entry fee.

July 26 - Pitch-a-tent 7s - Chattanooga, TN
*$200.00 before July 11th, $225.00 after (Only 12 Women"s Team)
*thanks to Joanna for this info!

July 26 - Beerfoot 7s - Naples FL

July 26 - Langenberg 7s - St. Louis MO

August 2 - Gratis 7s - Savannah, GA

August 2 - Priscilla 7s - Memphis, TN
*$250 Club Teams, registration deadline is July 18.
**It is in conjunction with the men's Elvis 7's!
***thanks to Beth for providing this info

August 9-10 - TENATIVE Women's 7's Championships - San Francisco, CA
**I am on a committee working to develop Women 7's Club Championships. Since I have been unable to get a team from the West to enter this tournament, I wanted to check to see if any of you were interested in entering a motley team in the tournament next month (August 9-10 in San Francisco).

**email Melissa McKibben for more information

August 25 - Riverboat 7's - Shreveport, LA

August 30 - Twilight 7's - New Orleans, LA

We are happy to announce that the New Orleans Women's Rugby Team is once again hosting Twilight 7's. The event will be held Labor Day weekend which coincides with Southern Decadence a festival in the French Quarter!

Entry fee is $125 and will host all teams so no need to get hotels!

**If you have any information for any of these tournaments, let me know and I will post it!