In this week’s episode of The Rugby Paper Roundup, Assistant Editor Ben Jaycock is joined by journalist Sarah Rendell to break down a huge second round of the Women’s Six Nations – with England heading to Murrayfield under mounting selection pressure.
After a record-breaking opening weekend that saw over 77,000 fans pack into Twickenham, attention now turns to how the Red Roses respond to a growing injury list.
Hannah Botterman and May Campbell are out of the tournament, Alex Matthews misses Scotland through injury, and England had already lost key names including Rosie Galligan, Abbie Ward and captain Zoe Stratford.
Yet, despite those setbacks, England continues to call on the depth of talent coming through the PWR – with Delaney Burns and Liz Crake drafted in.
We ask whether this is a disruption or a timely test ahead of the World Cup.
We also discuss Ellie Kildunne’s powerful decision to speak openly about body dysmorphia and the pressures of being one of rugby’s most recognisable faces – and what that says about the changing landscape of the women’s game.
With Kildunne also part of rugby’s first ever Twickenham tifo, we explore whether rugby is finally starting to build genuine star power in a team sport that has often struggled to do so.
Looking ahead to Round Two, we preview England’s trip to Scotland, Wales hosting France at Cardiff Arms Park – boosted by the return of Jasmine Joyce – and Ireland taking on Italy at the Dexcom Stadium after an encouraging showing against England.
Beyond the matches, we take a wider look at the growth of the women’s game.
With the Women’s Super League seeing huge attendance figures following the Lionesses’ Euros success, why hasn’t the PWR seen the same exponential rise?
And does the presentation of matches – including TV shots of empty stands – risk holding the game back?
Plus, we finish with a quickfire round – from Nando’s orders to favourite away days and the best press box food in the game.
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