Another bumper weekend of rugby awaits with domestic fixtures on the cards in all but one of the Women’s Six Nations countries as seasons enter the busy winter calendar.
Another bumper weekend of rugby awaits with domestic fixtures on the cards in all but one of the Women’s Six Nations countries as seasons enter the busy winter calendar.
After last weekend’s return following on from the Autumn Internationals, players have had the chance to get their feet back under the desk as they look to maximise preparation for next year’s Women’s Six Nations.
Here’s a look at what you should be keeping an eye on this weekend.
Old Belvedere to hit the tracks
Railway Union had enjoyed a dominant start to their All Ireland campaign, but defeat at home to rivals Old Belvedere last time out dented their previously unblemished record.
And things don’t get any easier for the Dubliners, as they are tasked with the return fixture at first time of asking, this time at Old Belvedere’s Anglesea Road.
Five big games this weekend! ??? #comejoinus #AILWomen pic.twitter.com/qFYBurBHe8
— Railway Union RFC (@RFCRailwayUnion) December 6, 2018
While they’ll need little added incentive considering the longstanding rivalry between the sides, last weekend’s result will have stung Railway Union, so this one looks set up to be a sure-fire cracker.
It’s a match that UL Bohemian will be keeping a close eye on as they host St Mary’s College earlier on Saturday afternoon, hoping to leapfrog Railway Union and snatch top spot.
Top two meet in France
Pool 2 of France’s Elite 1 this weekend sees runaway leaders Stade Toulousain and AS Bayonnaise do battle in Toulouse.
With the hosts two points clear of their opponents with a perfect seven from seven record in the league so far, Bayonnaise will look to deal them their first defeat of the season.
In Pool 1 the unbeaten Montpellier host mid-table Stade Rennais, who face an uphill battle if they are to add to the mere 60 points that the league leaders have thus far conceded in their eight games this campaign.
Second-place Blagnac Rugby welcome Stade Olympique Villelonguet in their bid to gain ground on Montpellier.
The chase is on
The clash of the weekend in the Tyrrells Premier 15s sees third host second as Loughborough Lightning travel to Harlequins.
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Here is your Lightning team to face @HarlequinsWomen this Saturday.
? 08/12/2018
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? 12pm#LightningStrikes pic.twitter.com/pyaBAnSj3a— Lightning Rugby (@LightningRugby) December 7, 2018
With both sides having played some scintillating rugby at times this season the stage is set, with the loser potentially risking being cast off from the leaders.
Reigning champions Saracens will hope to extend their lead at the top with victory over Darlington Mowden Park Sharks.
Title rivals face off in Italy
Dominant starts from Union R Capitolina and CUS Ferrara Rugby have seen both sides race to the top of Serie A’s Pool 2, but this weekend they go head to head with top spot up for grabs.
Capitolina currently occupy that position, winning six from six in peerless fashion, but Ferrara would love nothing more than to topple them.
In Pool 1 the top two look to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack, with Villorba Rugby travelling to Chicken CUS Pavia and Rugby Colorno hosting Rugby Riviera 1975.
Rugby returns in Wales
After a wash-out weekend of postponements and cancellations last time out, the Welsh Women’s Premiership is back on track this weekend.
Pacesetters Llandaff North will look to conquer uncharted territory as they head to Penybanc, who are yet to play a fixture in the division.
In second-place, Pontyclun will attempt to build on last week’s win over Pencoed, which saw them gain ground on the summit, when they host Gwernyfed, a side without a point so far in their three matches.