Your Scrumhalf Connection - Women's Rugby Blog

from USA Rugby:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This past weekend, the Women’s National Team met in Washington, D.C. in preparation for the Nations Cup Tournament to take place in England on August 19-26.

The Eagles trained at two locations during the weekend camp: the Exiles pitch in Rockville, MD and Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C.

“Many thanks are owed to Dan Soso (Exiles) and Lee Kelly (Gonzaga High School) for securing facilities for the team to use during the camp. Both Dan and Lee were incredibly generous,” said WNT Head Coach Kathy Flores.

The Eagle squad was joined by several local tight five players from the Furies and Philadelphia teams to fill in for the reserves that had been invited to participate in the Developmental Can-Am event in Toronto, Canada.

“In a discussion with Coach Fugate, it was decided the reserves for the camp should have the opportunity to play internationally as opposed to training with the Eagle squad,” said Coach Flores.

Along with the regular WNT staff, Peter Baggetta, USA Defensive Coach, and Tom Lyons, USA National Panel referee, helped prepare the team for what will mark the WNT’s first opportunity to compete in nearly eight months.

Training for two and a half days in 100 degree temperatures, the team revisited their set piece work, defensive organization and communication, as well as their offensive strategy with regard to the new Experimental Law Variations.

“I believe the team is much fitter than our training in April and despite the weather, retained their focus for the amount of work we were trying to accomplish over the weekend. We are certainly at a disadvantage having to play under the new laws without having trialed them here, but Tom was an invaluable resource for us – not only in his discussions of the laws but in his management during our scrimmage periods,” said Coach Flores.

The squad will arrive in England on August 17 and play the England National Team in their first match two days later. The USA will take on England again on July 22 and then will take on the Canadian National Team on July 26.

The players selected for the Nation’s Cup continue the four-year evolution toward building a squad that can compete successfully in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010. Last December’s tour to England was the first rung on the ladder, giving valuable experience to a squad with 19 new caps. The Nation’s Cup roster represents added maturity and is closer to the core group of players that will move forward to the next World Cup two years from now.

“Since we met in December, England has played and won the Six Nations Tournament. While we anticipate a stronger showing this time around, we recognize that we can not yet match their level of experience or amount of time together,” said Flores. “Our goal for the Nations Cup is to improve our execution of set pieces, play aggressive defense and retain possession of the ball in order to open up some opportunities to attack. This event represents a valuable step towards preparing our players for the next World Cup,”

For more information on the Women’s National Team and their upcoming events, please visit www.usarugby.org/goto/women_eagles

Click here for the team selected to head to the Nation's Cup in England.