June 15, 2008

England won the European 7s today in Limoges, France to qualify in fine style for the inaugural women’s Rugby World Cup 7s to be held in Dubai in March 2009.

England defeated the Netherlands 50-0 in the final of the European 7s, and in their six matches overall this weekend they scored 216 points with only one try conceded.

The team led by captain Sue Day (Wasps) and coached since April by sevens specialists Simon Amor and Mike Friday won their pool by a distance on Saturday and began today’s knockout rounds with a quarter-final against hosts France.

A tough encounter had been predicted, with only the top six teams from the European 7s making it through to the World Cup, but England won 29-5 with five tries by Charlotte Barras (Saracens), Rachel Burford (Saracens, 2), Day and Vicky Massarella (Saracens). There was a conversion each by Burford and Massarella.

In the semi-finals England took on Spain and won 10-0 with a try in the second minute by Heather Fisher (Wasps) and another midway through the second half by Barras.

“Spain pushed us all the way and it took some really good team defence to hold them out,” said Nicky Ponsford, the RFUW’s head of performance. “Our team ran really good support lines throughout the tournament so the ball didn’t get tied up.”

The final this evening in mild conditions in central France pitted England against the Netherlands and the result was more or less settled by half-time when England led 24-0 through tries by Fisher, Day, Barras and Burford, and two conversions from Burford, the fly half who would be voted player of the tournament.

In the second half England scored another four tries through Fisher, Day, Kat Merchant (Worcester) and Michaela Staniford (Wasps), with conversions by Burford (2) and Massarella, to finish 50-0 winners.

One of the highlights was Merchant’s try from her own 22. Three minutes before the end the Netherlands had a spell of pressure in England territory but a turnover followed by good passing to exploit the full width of the pitch allowed the Worcester wing to sprint clear along the touchline.

Having lifted the European trophy, England were joined among the six qualifying teams making it to the World Cup by the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, France and Italy, with Wales among those to miss out.

“I’m pleased with the team’s performance all the way through the tournament,” said Simon Amor, the England women’s sevens head coach and former England men’s sevens captain.

“Their commitment, passion and work rate was fantastic. We’d looked to improve all the way through and set the standards we need to meet if we are to become a world class team which is the intention.

“Rachel Burford is growing as a threat with ball in hand and in her decision making, not just in sevens but in rugby generally, and with her and all the members of the team the great thing is that they are keen to learn.”

England now look forward to competing in tournaments in South Africa, Dubai and San Diego before they participate in the inaugural women’s Rugby World Cup 7s which will run alongside the men’s World Cup Sevens.

England squad:

Charlotte Barras - Saracens

Rachael Burford - Saracens

Susan Day (capt) - Wasps

Heather Fisher - Wasps

Emma Layland - Richmond

Katherine Merchant - Worcester

Amy Turner - Richmond

Michaela Staniford - Wasps

Joanne Yapp - Worcester

Vicky Massarella - Saracens

Head Coach Simon Amor, Coach Mike Friday.

European 7s results, Limoges, France:

Saturday June 14:

England v Germany 31-0

England v Andorra 56-0

England v Sweden 40-0.

Sunday June 15:

Quarter-final: France v England 5-29

Semi-final: England v Spain 10-0

Final: England v Netherlands 50-0.

Ends