Your Scrumhalf Connection - Women's Rugby Blog

So I heard about this video the other day from a teammate and then found it across the web on various rugby blogs. It is certainly an interesting video with plenty of stereotypes...basically it’s a quiet bar and then the LOUD rugby players come busting in and start causing a ruckus. There are a few other people in the bar and they are highly annoyed by this disturbance.

Drinks start flowing and then one of the two women who are surrounded by the loud rugby players receives a call on her Bluetooth. The point of the commercial is that as soon as she plugs the Bluetooth into her ear, everything goes silent and she hears the crystal clear phone conversation. Unbeknownst to her though , there are two men kissing behind her.

Some of the controversies are that Todd Clever and Dan Payne (USA Rugby members and players) are in the video. Some of the controversy is because it is two men kissing. Some of the controversy is the stereotyping of men rugby players. Even more of the controversy is the effect this video will have on youth...etc etc etc...what are your thoughts?

And no I will not be providing the video for your viewing, use half a brain and find it on Youtube, it has almost 100,000 views.

For those of you that know about my Notre Dame obsession...this article goes without saying. For those of you that don't...I would have DIED to attend Notre Dame and would have even died more to play on a Notre Dame rugby team. Just something about the tradition, heart and that place that just gets me.

I actually sell a Notre Dame Rugby (not official) shirt on my Zazzle website, check it out here: http://www.zazzle.com/ScooterWE/product/235495357359291340

I wanted it to be simple and strong just like the Irish. Go Fighting Irish!

Notre Dame frosh given tall order
from Gainline.us by Kurt Oeler

Notre Dame's current freshmen are expected to lead the Fighting Irish in next fall's first division debut, despite having yet to play their first collegiate match.

The youngsters' assignment may be an interesting case study concerning the potential of varsity athletes in American rugby.

Two-thirds of the first-year players bring previous rugby experience, and all of them carry a high school varsity pedigree, according to coach Sean O'Leary. But four of Notre Dame's five Midwest East division rivals -- Bowling Green, Indiana, Ohio State, and Purdue -- reached the national playoffs during the decade when the 'Outside Irish' were banned from the South Bend, Indiana, school.

'The seniors got this team back on campus, but this group is driven by the frosh,' O'Leary said. 'You can tell they're all varsity high school players. They expect to be pushed hard and face challenges.'

Notre Dame's preseason roster has jumped to 60 from 20 a year ago, when the rugby club was restored to campus. O'Leary is the USA Under 18 coach and several of his players were in the U19 squad which lost to Canada U20 'A' this past weekend.

Ambitions of recovering glories from the mid-1960s to the mid-70s are fueled in part by the sport's growth at the parochial high schools which traditionally feed Notre Dame. The club also is enjoying a new endowment.

Notre Dame's opener is against Ball State on March 1, and the spring calendar includes the Boilermakers and the Hoosiers before an April 19 date with Ohio State.

Canada U20 downed USA U20 19-14 on Saturday. The Maple Leafs have downed America's senior-most age-grade side five times in succession, dating back to 2004.

I have been seriously slack on the Six Nations Update and I apologize. Here are some tidbits I have found this afternoon (the motivation to work is seriously lacking as well).

Date	Time	Home	Score	Away	Venue	TV/Attend
Fri 1st Feb 08	14:40	Ireland Women	19-0	Italy Women	St Marys RFC, Dublin
Sat 2nd Feb 08	14:30	England Women	55-0	Wales Women	London Irish Amateur RFC, Middlesex
Sun 3rd Feb 08	12:00	Scotland Women	15-43	France Women	Meggetland Stadium, Edinburgh
Sat 9th Feb 08	14:30	Italy Women	6-76	England Women	Stadio Tre Fontane, Rome
Sun 10th Feb 08	13:00	Wales Women	23-6	Scotland Women	Taffs Wells RFC, Cardiff
Sun 10th Feb 08	15:00	France Women	26-17	Ireland Women	St Gratien, nr Paris
Fri 22nd Feb 08	18:00	Ireland Women	v	Scotland Women	St Marys RFC, Dublin
Sat 23rd Feb 08	16:00	France Women	v	England Women	Bergerac, nr Agen
Sun 24th Feb 08	13:00	Wales Women	v	Italy Women	Taffs Wells RFC, Cardiff
Fri 7th Mar 08	19:30	Ireland Women	v	Wales Women	St Marys RFC, Dublin
Sat 8th Mar 08	12:00	Scotland Women	v	England Women	Meggetland Stadium, Edinburgh
Sat 8th Mar 08	16:00	France Women	v	Italy Women	Stade Pompidou, Valence, nr Lyon
Sat 15th Mar 08	13:00	Wales Women	v	France Women	Taffs Wells, Cardiff
Sat 15th Mar 08	16:45	England Women	v	Ireland Women	London Irish Amateur RFC, Middlesex
Sun 16th Mar 08	14:30	Italy Women	v	Scotland Women	Stadio Comunale, Mira, nr Venice

England vs Wales High-lights Video:



Scotland vs France High-lights Video:


England vs Italy High-lights Video:

So K Train had written a blog about checking herself against the Fitness Standards of the PTB's (powers that be). And I thought to myself...I need to do this as well! Unfortunately mine is not complete as I haven't been able to do any of the heavy leg lifting or running since the ACL (and before bc of major pain and weakness...haha I had no ACL!) but I thought it would be interesting anyways.

Here is my little chart:


So while the downtime from rugby really is getting hard, at least I can get in the gym and start really progressing towards my fitness goals and the PTBs as well. The team practices on Mon/Wed now and I hit the gym that day as well. I also have Physical Therapy on Tues/Thurs, so I am getting 4 if not 5 days at the gym a week now. Of course most of the focus is on getting the strength back in my knee/leg, but I dedicate at least four hours a week to the Eagle workouts.

Since before moving to Austin I only hit the gym about once a week (Yea Tarzan's garage gym!!) and was a big advocate of outdoor training. I am still a big advocate of outdoor training (use your elements!) but have been trying to get into the gym more for weight training. Right now I am doing about an hour and a half on Mon/Wed in the gym and PT usually runs about an hour and fifteen minutes. I wish I had more time to spend in the gym, but school, work and rugby (I still go to practice to help out) eat up a lot of my time.

However, I plan on being stronger than ever when I come back in June, July or August (the date is still up in the air at this point). Soon I will be able to begin jogging and actually moving faster than a brisk walk. I cannot WAIT for that day, I am so tired of walking!!! I want to run, jump...be free!

So here's to you sweating it away in the gym, working out outside/inside...whatever works for you, just keep moving!

from Put Me in Coach

Amy Daniels- Beantown RFC, Boston MA (NE TU)

Last night was the first real contact, tackling, full-body practice the Valkyries have had. We are preparing for our first match of the 2008 season, which is this weekend. The Valks will be playing against the Texas Rugby Union U23 Team (roster at the bottom of this post here) on Sunday, February 17, 2008.

Even though I can't practice, the pace, intensity and heart at practice was enough to make my heart swell. It is hard to stand on the sidelines and observer with a good word every once and awhile...ok its really hard and it sucks. However, I am still going to the gym every week and am working my hardest to come back at 110% in May, June or July...whichever month the Gods bless me with.

Some good rugby tidbits have been flowing in all week, check 'em out:

• Sportable.com's Perspective on IRB 7s in San Diego
  
  Sportable Video: IRB Sevens Rugby Field Transformation
  LIVE Blog: IRB USA Sevens Rugby Tournament at Petco Park
  Wrapping Up Day 1 of the IRB USA Sevens
  LIVE Blog: Day 2 of IRB USA Sevens Rugby Tournament at Petco Park
  Wrapping up the 2008 IRB Sevens
  
  
• London to Host 2009 Gay Rugby Cup
  
  East London rugby club Kings Cross Steelers have won the right to host the 2009 European gay rugby Union Cup.
  
  The Steelers are the current champions and will welcome more than 17 teams in May next year.
  
  Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, said: "The tournament will provide a platform to introduce lesbian and gay sport to new audiences."
  
  The first Union Cup was held in 2005 in Montpellier, France and then in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2007.
  
  Steelers events manager Neil Pyper said: "As the world's first gay rugby team, now in our 13th year, we are eager to encourage new and experienced teams alike, and look forward to inviting European gay rugby teams to come to our great city next year."
  
  The tournament will be held on 22 and 23 May 2009, at the club's West Ham ground.
  
  The Steelers were the world's first gay rugby club when they formed in 1995.
  
  
• Blog from the Wales camp: Caroline Morgan
  
  Caroline Morgan, Personal Assistant to the Welsh Rugby Team and Management, gives an insight into her job and life within the Welsh camp.
  
  Although, coming into work this Monday was a pleasure after the result on the weekend.
  
  Mood has been good in camp but everyone has their feet firmly on the ground and understands the task in hand – last year’s loss in Murrayfield, not to mention the World Cup, is still at the back of everyone’s minds and there’s no hint of complacency.
  
  So, a bit about my role: Basically it's making sure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes for the players and back room staff, anything from ensuring that everyone is where they should be, wearing the right clothes to making sure there’s enough milk for the morning coffee! I’d like to think I’m the older sister but unfortunately I'm known as their other mother!
  
  This week has seen an upsurge in emails and telephone calls, anything from people wanting things signed to just general congratulations for last week’s game and good luck for this week. But some people just don’t realize how busy it is here – and ring or email with the strangest of queries e.g. – why does James Hook throw a blade of grass in the air before he kicks? I do my best to answer all queries, but some are above and beyond the call of duty!
  
  And the answer is – he used to do when he first started playing to see which way the wind was blowing – now it’s just a habit!
  
  I also got a quite nasty email from someone complaining that the players’ weren’t singing the anthem on Saturday – I had a quick scan through the video and from what I could see it was only Adam at one stage – I believe Adam must have been overcome with emotion as he always sings it. And Ryan of course – who has taken some stick for blubbing all the way through it – some people will do anything for attention!
  
  Much as we demand them to sing, emotion does take over (I can’t even begin to imagine what it must feel like to be standing there in front of a full house singing the best anthem in the world)!
  
  So it’s the day before a big game, any last minute hitches have to be ironed out. Has everyone had their tickets? Do their partners know what time the bus is leaving? Has everyone ironed their shirts? Check bus, check meals, check hotel rooms, check the players not selected for this weekend are ok? You get the gist!
  
  So far today I’ve had two mothers on the phone sorting out their son’s tickets for them! Yes, they really are like children and need a nudge sometimes!
  
  And yes I get nervous before games – like everyone, I live every pass, kick, tackle, share the highs and the lows (and there’s been more than my share of those!) but boy those highs are well worth it.
  
  Here’s hoping to a win today – my job doesn’t change win, lose or draw, but a win certainly helps (if only to stop the horrible emails!)
  
  **I thought this article was a really cool insight to the inner workings of a professional rugby team.
  
  
• 2nd Annual Roughtstock 10's Tournament
  
  Hey can you post something about our Womens 10's Rugby Tournament?
  
  Boulder Babes Rugby Club is excited to announce the second annual Roughstock 10s tournament in Boulder, CO! The event invites women's teams to play on Saturday, May 17th. After the tournament will be a night on the town kicking it off with a Flip Cup Tournament!
  
  And thanks for putting it on your calendar. You guys wanna come? http://roughstock10.blogspot.com/
  
  Thanks,
  Christina
  
  **I've never played 10's...from watching it on TV and the Internet it looks really different.
  
  
• England agree new kit deal
  
  England have agreed a new four-year contract with kit provider Nike.
  
  The Rugby Football Union announced the deal on Tuesday, with Nike responsible for all team wear for England's representative sides and their management until 2012.
  
  For the first time the contract has been extended to include the England women's team.
  
  RFU business operations director Paul Vaughan said: "Since 1997 we've enjoyed an excellent relationship with Nike.
  
  "Throughout that time their commitment to quality and the level of technological innovation they bring to player performance through design and material has been second to none.
  
  "An example of this has been in the development of tighter-fitting shirts, which have now been adopted as standard in world rugby."
  
  **Couldn't find any images of the new jersey, will definitely have to keep my eyes peeled for it!

From WomenEagles.com

2.8.08 - The Women's National 7s Team went 4-0 to win the San Diego Invitational with wins over South Africa, Canada "A", Canadian Interuniversity Sport, and in the finals, Canada Senior.

US vs South Africa
In their first match, the Women Eagles defeated South Africa, 21-7. Scoring for the Women Eagles in the South Africa match were Amy Daniels with one try and Jen Starkey with 2 tries and all three conversions. The US roster for the South Africa match was:

1. Amy Daniels
2. Ellie Karvoski
3. Pam Kosanke
4. Teena Maestrangelo
5. Alison Price
6. Christy Ringgenberg
7. Jen Starkey
Substitutes
8. Donna Thomas
9. JoAnne Ward

US vs Canada "A"
The Women Eagles then shut out Canada "A" 24-0. The half time score was 5-0 despite losing Christy Ringgenberg due to a sin bin call. The second half was all US with 3 more tries scored. Scoring for the US was: Ellie Karvoski (1 try), Jen Starkey (1 try), Kelly White (1 try) and Pam Kosanke (1 try, 2 conversions). The US roster for the Canada "A" match was:

1. Tyshawn Henry
2. Ellie Karvoski
3. Teena Maestrangelo
4. Christy Ringgenberg
5. Jen Starkey
6. Kitt Wagner
7. Kelly White
Substitutes:
8. Pam Kosanke
9. Alison Price
10. JoAnne Ward

Semi-Final: US vs Canada Interuniversity Sport
In the semi-final, the Women Eagles defeated Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) with another shut-out 15-0. Scoring for the US was, Amy Daniels (1 try) and Jen Starkey (2 tries). The roster for the CIS match was:

1. Amy Daniels
2. Tyshawn Henry
3. Ellie Karvoski
4. Teena Maestrangelo
5. Alison Price
6. Christy Ringgenberg
7. Jen Starkey
Substitutes:
8. Pam Kosanke
9. Donna Thomas
10. Kitt Wagner

Final: US vs Canada
In the final, the US defeated the Senior Canada side 19-5. The US gave up an early try but controlled the rest of the match with scoring for the US by Pam Kosanke (2 conversions), Teena Maestrangelo (1 try), Jen Starkey (1 try), and JoAnne Ward (1 try). The US roster for the match was:

1. Amy Daniels
2. Ellie Karvoski
3. Pam Kosanke
4. Teena Maestrangelo
5. Alison Price
6. Christy Ringgenberg
7. Jen Starkey
Substitutes:
8. Tyshawn Henry
9. JoAnne Ward
10. Kelly White

Other scores from pool play:
USA Developmental 0 - Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) 15
USA Developmental 10 - Canada 22

**I recently signed up for Setanta Broadband so I could start watching more International Rugby matches and National Rugby Matches but have been pretty disappointed in the local matches. Setanta sent out that email boasting that they would be showing several games from San Diego 7s and it appears that they are only showing two. Very disappointing, would have LOVED to watch one of the Women's Matches.

2.4.08 - The participating teams for the San Diego International 7s tournament have been split into pools and the schedule has been finalized. In addition, an international match will be played on the main field at PETCO park featuring USA and South Africa. The match will kick off Sunday morning at 9:30 am and is the only chance to catch a women's match at this year's prestigious US Sevens. The pools and seedings are below:

Pool A:
1/1 Canada
2/4 USA A
3/6 Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) All-Star Team

Pool B:
1/2 USA
2/3 Canada A
3/5 South Africa

Tournament Schedule Friday, February 8, 2008 Location: Robb Fields, San Diego, CA.
9:00 AM	South Africa vs. Canada A
9:20 AM	CIS vs. USA A
10:20 AM	USA vs. South Africa
10:40 AM	Canada vs. CIS
11:40 AM	USA vs. Canada A
12:00 PM	Canada vs. USA A
Semi-Finals
1:30 PM	A #1 vs. B #2
1:50 PM	B #1 vs. A #2
2:10 PM	A #3 vs. B #3 for 5th/6th Place
Finals
3:10 PM	3rd/4th Place Match
3:30 PM	1st/2nd Place Match
Exhibition Match Sunday, February 10, 2008 Location: PETCO Park, San Diego, CA
9:30 AM	USA vs. South Africa

For more information on the San Diego Invitational tournament and the International Women's competition, visit www.usasevens.com/invitational.php

It is Super Tuesday! I have been visiting CNN, MSNBC and FOX all morning in anticipation of the results that will be posted tonight. This race is one of the most exciting events in my short life! The candidate that comes out of this war will be in for a challenge to say the least!

Not a political post today I promise, in fact here is some Rugby Here & There:

• Scrummaging clinic at James Madison University
  
  The MARFU U23 Head Coach, Lisa Rosen, will be conducting a scrummaging clinic on Sunday, Feb 10th at James Madison University. Registration will be at 9:45 AM; the clinic will start at 10 AM and go until 2 PM. This clinic will be open to all female U23 and U19 players.
  
  This scrummaging clinic will cover a variety of areas - core strength, balance, agility and strength for scrummaging, specific roles of the 8, 2, and flankers, pre-engagement setup, engagement and post engagement techniques, application of pressure, and secondary drive. Groups that advance quickly will have an opportunity to work on wheeling and channeling techniques. Coaches and player-coaches are strongly encouraged to attend.
  
  The methods and the communication system introduced is the same that will be used with the MARFU U23 side, so players with those aspirations (1-8) will benefit tremendously from attendance.
  
  Players are asked to donate $5 each to cover the cost of travel/equipment - if this is an issue please contact Lisa directly. If a team brings their entire pack and numbers permit, we will be happy to train you as a unit.
  
  Assisting Lisa will be several USA Women's National Team pool players and MARFU Senior Select Side players, all fully trained in the techniques we will be teaching you.
  
  If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Roshna Wunderlich wunderre@jmu.edu or Lisa Rosen - coachingrugby@gmail.com. Coaches with questions, please contact Lisa directly.
  
  
• AWESOME Rugby Photos by Jim Cayer
  
  Found these via my Google Alerts. Make sure to check them out!
  
  
• Rugby News From Setanta Sports
  
  Setanta Sports Inc and USA Rugby announced the renewal of their official partnership. Under the terms of the agreement Setanta will continue as a sponsor of the USA Eagles men's national team with both parties contributing to a range of activities and initiatives in support of the rapid growth of rugby across the country. In 2008 Setanta will broadcast all home appearances by the US Eagles men's national 15 and 7-a-side teams.
  
  In the more immediate future Setanta also announced that they will be the exclusive live US broadcaster of the forthcoming San Diego leg of the IRB World 7s series. The 7s tournament, which is anticipating a record attendance, will take place in Petco Park, San Diego on the 9th and 10th of February.
  
  Setanta will serve as the broadcaster of the 2008 Churchill Cup which will be played in USA & Canada between June 7th & 21st and features national teams of USA, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland and Argentina.
  
  Setanta will be the broadcaster and sponsor of the Setanta Challenge series to be played in August, featuring the US Eagles and two of Europe's top professional teams.
  
  
• Jonny Wilkinson - I will be the animal I always am
  
  Ok, if you don’t follow Rugby - then Jonny Wilkinson (Celebrity Rugby Player) may be NEW to you - but if you live in the UK and in particular England and have any interest in Rugby you will enjoy this video.
  
  I just love the way that Jonny says “I will be the animal I always am” - not many sports stars get to say that!
  
  Exclusive footage of Jonny Wilkinson from behind the scenes at a recent photoshoot. The British rugby hero speaks out about the squad’s surprisingly successful World Cup campaign last year and how England can build on these performances for the 2008 6 Nations tournament.
  
  
• Rugby Imports Valentine's Day Gift Packs for Women
  
  Women's Gift Pack I
  Includes periwinkle Women's Rugby long-sleeve t-shirt, sky/navy Women's Rugby Cap, gold Rugby Ball Necklace, bumper sticker "A Woman's Place is in the Maul", and Comfort Sling Bag. Our Price: $ 25
  
  Women's Gift Pack II
  Includes Comfort Rugby Ball Pillowcase, white/scarlet Ruck Me? Ruck You! short-sleeve t-shirt, pink RWC Sandwich Cap, RWC stress ball, bumper sticker "A Woman's Place is in the Maul", and Comfort Sling Bag. Our Price: $ 50
  
  Women's Gift Pack III
  Includes Comfort Fleece Blanket, Comfort Pillowcase, white Happiness is a Good Ruck Women's short-sleeve t-shirt, pink RWC Sandwich Cap, RWC stress ball, bumper sticker "A Woman's Place is in the Maul", and Comfort Sling Bag. Our Price: $ 75
  
  **I just thought this was really cute, they also have gift packs for Men too!
  
  
• USA Rugby, National Guard Announces the 300 Collegiate Teams Awarded Free Kit
  
  Albright College PA 3
  Allegheny College PA 2
  American University Wash DC 1
  Ashland University OH 3
  Ball State University IN 2
  Bates University ME 2
  Bentley College MA 3
  Bloomsburg University PA 2
  Boston College MA 2
  Bowdoin College ME 2
  Bryn-Mawr College PA 3
  Clemson University SC 1
  Colby-Sawyer College NH 3
  College of Charleston SC 2
  Cornell University NY 1
  Drew University NJ 3
  Franklin & Marshall College PA 2
  George Washington University MD 2
  Gettysburg College PA 4
  Grove City College PA 3
  Gustavus Adolphus College MN 2
  Indiana University IN 1
  James Madison University VA 1
  Lafayette College PA 2
  Lebanon Valley College PA 2
  Lehigh University PA 2
  Lock Haven University PA 2
  Michigan State University MI 2
  Middle TN State TN 2
  Middlebury College VT 2
  Millersville University PA 2
  Muhlenberg College PA 3
  New Mexico State University NM 1
  Northeastern University MA 2
  Norwich University VT 2
  Ohio State University OH 1
  Saint Michael's College VT 3
  Shippensburg University PA 2
  SUNY Brockport NY 2
  SUNY Geneseo NY 2
  Swarthmore College PA 2
  Syracuse University NY 1
  Texas A&M University TX 1
  Texas State University TX 2
  Texas Tech University TX 2
  The Citadel SC 2
  The College of New Jersey NJ 2
  Tufts University MA 2
  University of Dayton OH 2
  University of Illinois IL 2
  University of Kentucky KY 2
  University of Mary Washington VA 2
  University of Massachusetts-Amherst MA 2
  University of Minnesota - Duluth MN 2
  University of Pennsylvania PA 2
  University of Rhode Island RI 2
  University of South Carolina SC 2
  University of South Dakota SD 2
  University of Southern Mississippi MS 2
  University of Utah UT 1
  University of Virginia VA 1
  University of Wisconsin - River Falls WI 2
  University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire WI 2
  University of Wisconsin-La Crosse WI 2
  University of Wisconsin-Madison WI 2
  University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee WI 2
  University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point WI 2
  University of Wisconsin-Whitewater WI 2
  Ursinus College PA 2
  Utah State University UT 2
  Virgina Tech University VA 1
  Washington University in St Louis MO 2
  Wayne State College NE 2
  Western Oregon University OR 2
  Windener University PA 3
  Winona State University MN 2
  Worcester Polytechnical Institute MA 2
  York College of Pennsylvania PA 2
  
  Territorial Womens Collegiate All-Star Teams
  Mid Atlantic Sharks
  Midwest Thunderbirds
  Northeast Nessies
  Pacific Coast Grizzlies
  South Panthers
  Southern California Griffins
  West Mustangs
  
  **85 Kits were given to Women's Teams, 215 to Men's teams...
  
  
• TRU U-23 Women's Team - Tryouts and 2008 Team
  
  50 girls attended the Texas Rugby Union (TRU) U-23 women's team tryouts on Jan 26th and 27th in Austin, Texas. The weather was sunny and warm as the players from Rice, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Texas State, the University of Texas and the Austin Valkyries competed for the 28 spots on the team. After a grueling weekend of drills and scrimmages on a muddy pitch, the following women were chosen for the 2008 TRU U-23 team:
  
  Forwards
  Alicia Shingleton (Texas Tech)
  Sierra Smith (At Large)
  Stephanie Dvorak (Texas A&M)
  Rebecca DeMoor (Texas A&M)
  Alex McCarthy (Austin Valkyries)
  Becky Downey (Texas Tech)
  Lauren Hicks (Texas Tech)
  Lauren Sharp (Texas A&M)
  Amy Borchardt (Texas Tech)
  Molly Goldstein (Rice)
  Anneke Brand (Texas Tech)
  MJ Bollinger (UT)
  Rinske Brand (Texas Tech)
  Monika Morales (Texas A&M)
  Megan Hermance (Rice)
  
  Backs
  Christyn Chapa (Texas Tech)
  Hillary Wells (Texas A&M)
  Lindsey Homan (Texas Tech)
  Mary Mason (UT)
  Penny Yo (Texas Tech)
  Erin Wood (Texas A&M)
  Betsy Bryant (Texas A&M)
  Maddie Morris (Texas Tech)
  Megan Schneider (Rice)
  Ana Aguilar (UT)
  Allison Lee (UT)
  Heather Hill (Texas State)
  Katie Metkus (UT)
  
  The TRU U-23 women's team will play a warm-up game against the Austin Valkyries on Sunday Feb 17th and will compete in the LAU U-23 tournament on March 1st and 2nd in Kansas City, MO.

Dear Wendy,

Our editors recently reviewed your blog and have given it an 8.6 score out of (10). Your blog is currently in the top ten in the Sports/Rugby category of Blogged.com. This is quite an achievement! http://www.blogged.com/directory/sports/rugby

We evaluated your blog based on the following criteria: Frequency of Updates, Relevance of Content, Site Design, and Writing Style.

After carefully reviewing each of these criteria, your site was given its 8.6 score. Please accept my congratulations on a blog well-done!

Sincerely,
Andres Lopez

**I am super excited to be included along with Blood and Mud, Scrumbag, RugbyDump, The Rugby Blog, Rugby Rewind, Green and Gold Rugby aothers...congrats to all!