International Women’s rugby Super Series ready to impress

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International Women's rugby Super Series ready to impress

So much more attention and positive exposure on the game, International Women’s rugby will be ready to impress when the Super Series begins Friday night.

For the first time in three years, number one ranked New Zealand, No. 2 England, No. 3 Canada. No. 4 France and No. 5 USA all face-off in the 2019 Women’s International Rugby Super Series hosted June 28 – July 14.

USA Rugby [the host union] have promoted this as a ‘massive event that will bring 10 international test matches to a growing population of rugby fans in Southern California, with competition spanning five rounds and two venues in San Diego.

Not only entertaining fans in California but, with the leading five sides in World Rugby all competing, it will enjoy widespread coverage. From Europe to the Southern Hemisphere, these International Women’s rugby tests will be a big leap up on the limited June test matches of the past.

This is a step up in terms of the challenge for each nation as well. One that women’s rugby has earned, with its unstoppable rise in popularity and in global participation.

International Women’s rugby Super Series ready to impress

The competition aims to provide players with highly competitive test matches to boost playing time and increase exposure for women’s rugby in the world. Matches contested in the Women’s Rugby Super Series count towards world rankings.

In a highly competitive round-robin tournament, every one of the five rounds will pit four teams against each other – one team has a Bye. In a series, the number of wins counts towards the winning team. For these International Women’s rugby teams, the points structure will count for much.

Super Series points system

  • Win – 4 points
  • Draw – 2 points
  • Bonus
    • Scoring 4 tries – 1 point
    • Losing by less than 7 – 1 point

The targeted side (of course) is New Zealand. The Black Ferns, reigning World Champions and the most influential side undoubtedly in the history of International Women’s rugby. All of the other four teams will be aiming to peak for their encounter with the champs!

And in Round One on Friday June 28, that opponent is Canada.

Then, in the final Super Series round on Sunday, July 14, their opponents are the England Roses, who must be focused on gaining maximum points to have any chance of claiming the Super Series trophy.

Beaten in Women’s Rugby World Cup final, this will be a chance to redress that result, and claim rankings points on the Black Ferns.

It all makes for a superbly exciting, and an important series for International Women’s rugby. Having teams that are competitive is crucial, so while the fifth-ranked US Team may not have the same experience level as France or England [regular Six Nations competitors] but the home side will be boosted by home crowds, as well as the rise in rugby sevens and the increased awareness stateside.

These factors all lead to the admission that this year’s International Women’s rugby Super Series is ready to impress. Ready to boost the profile, as well as demonstrate the high-quality rugby, that the women’s game is capable of.

This series should be one that any rugby fan will enjoy.

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Round One – International Women’s rugby Super Series

Friday June 28 – Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
  • England vs USA – 1PM (PST)
  • Canada vs New Zealand – 4PM
  • (France – BYE)

Follow the matches with official broadcaster FloRugby, or check your local sports channel. And Last Word on Rugby will bring you updates on our Facebook and Twitter social media channels.

 

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