Finland and Latvia Earn Promotion as Matthew Smith Resigns from RFU Over Misogynistic Comments | WRR 250

Finland and Latvia Earn Promotion as Matthew Smith Resigns from RFU Over Misogynistic Comments | WRR 250

Welcome to WRR 250 for June 8-14. Finland captured the Europe 7s Conference title in Andorra, dominating Latvia in the final as both squads secured promotion to the 2027 Trophy Series. Off the pitch, RFU council member Matthew Smith resigned following intense backlash over a misogynistic social media post targeting pundit Maggie Alphonsi. Down in New Zealand, domestic history was made during the Super Rugby Aupiki opening round when Matatū shattered competition records by drawing an unprecedented standalone crowd of nearly twelve thousand fans to witness their victory over Chiefs Manawa. Across the Atlantic, the Bay Breakers climbed to the top of the Women's Elite Rugby standings, while Ireland's Aoife Wafer capped off the week by securing back-to-back Player of the Championship honors in the Guinness Women's Six Nations. 🌍 Our global women's rugby news recap can be found at: https://scrumhalfconnection.com/2026/06/15/finland-and-latvia-earn-promotion-as-matthew-smith-resigns-from-rfu-over-misogynistic-comments-wrr-250/ [https://scrumhalfconnection.com/2026/06/15/finland-and-latvia-earn-promotion-as-matthew-smith-resigns-from-rfu-over-misogynistic-comments-wrr-250/]

Australia Rules 7s World Championships, Mexico Wins Back-to-Back XVs & Quinnipiac Fights Back | WRR 249

Welcome to WRR 249 for June 1 to 7. Australia officially rules the 7s world after capturing Bordeaux and the overall HSBC SVNS world title back-to-back, while Mexico hit a highest-ever ranking after winning  RAN XVs and the Trans Match was confirmed for the Bingham and Amanda Cups. Domestically, England’s PWR and France’s AXA Elite 1 completed high-scoring final rounds to lock in their postseason brackets, TC Gemini continued to rule the WER, and Australia's Super W kicked off with dramatic finishes. Off the pitch, the community faces major institutional tests, including Maggie Alphonsi speaking out against lenient RFU disciplinary decisions, and a class-action lawsuit fighting the sudden demotion of the Quinnipiac University varsity program. Get all the women’s rugby news for the week: https://scrumhalfconnection.com/2026/06/08/australia-rules-svns-world-championships-mexico-wins-back-to-back-xvs-quinnipiac-fights-back-wrr-249/ [https://scrumhalfconnection.com/2026/06/08/australia-rules-svns-world-championships-mexico-wins-back-to-back-xvs-quinnipiac-fights-back-wrr-249/]

Australia Snatches Spain SVNS & the Springboks Rule the Africa Cup | WRR 248

Welcome to WRR 248 for May 25-31, 2026. On the international 7s circuit, a determined Australian squad overcame late roster adjustments to secure a thrilling tournament victory in Spain, with all eyes on the final stop of the World SVNS Championship to come this weekend. Over in 15s news, South Africa asserted their continental authority by securing another regional trophy in Kenya, while the Brazil Yaras completed a successful two-game friendly sweep. Domestically, PWR and the AXA Élite 1 have locked in their semifinal matchups, while Round 4 of Women's Elite Rugby sees TC Gemini hold onto the top of the table. I’m Wendy, here to bring you the latest in women’s rugby news, this is the Women’s Rugby Rundown and we’re about to kick off. Get all the week’s women’s rugby news: https://scrumhalfconnection.com/2026/06/01/australia-snatches-spain-svns-the-springboks-rule-the-africa-cup-wrr-248/ [https://scrumhalfconnection.com/2026/06/01/australia-snatches-spain-svns-the-springboks-rule-the-africa-cup-wrr-248/]

El Salvador Retains Crown, RAN Continues & Africa Cup Begins | WRR 247

Welcome to WRR 247 for May 18-24. This week, we are previewing the return of the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series in Valladolid, Spain, alongside an electrifying individual try-scoring record watch. Over in 15s, the Africa Cup launched with clinical performances from the heavyweights, while the RAN tournament set up a spectacular winner-take-all finale. On the domestic front, Spain's top division crowned a back-to-back league champion in dramatic fashion, and France's elite competition returned from a break. Read all the week’s women’s rugby news: https://scrumhalfconnection.com/2026/05/26/wrr-247/ [https://scrumhalfconnection.com/2026/05/26/wrr-247/]

Red Roses Rule W6N, Tunisia Promoted, & Sevens Champions Crowned | WRR 246

Welcome to WRR 246 for May 11-17, 2026. England secured an impressive eighth consecutive Guinness Women’s Six Nations crown, while Tunisia achieved a flawless promotion to the top tier of the Africa Cup. Over in the sevens world, Sri Lanka hoisted the inaugural CASA 7s title, Melina became the most decorated team in Brasil 7s history, and Shogun got back to their winning ways in Oxford. Domestically, WER Round 3 shook up the standings, Life University completed an unprecedented national treble at the USA Club Championships, and Spain's Liga Iberdrola finalized a heavyweight championship matchup. Read all the week’s women’s rugby news: https://scrumhalfconnection.com/2026/05/18/red-roses-rule-w6n-tunisia-promoted-sevens-champions-crowned-wrr-246/ [https://scrumhalfconnection.com/2026/05/18/red-roses-rule-w6n-tunisia-promoted-sevens-champions-crowned-wrr-246/]