NEWS ROUND-UP

Spain’s gain Spain won the delayed 2020 Rugby Europe Women’s Championship with big wins over Russia (56-7) and the Netherlands (87-0). They now go into the European World Cup 2021 qualifying tournament alongside Ireland, Italy and Scotland.

Central roles Sene Naoupu and Rachael Burford (below) have joined the staff at International Rugby Players. Former England centre Burford is head of women’s rugby at the global players’ body while Ireland’s Naoupu has taken on the role of head of strategic projects and research.

On the whistle Scotland’s Hollie Davidson took charge of her first Guinness Pro14 match when she refereed Munster v Benetton last month. Joy Neville was the TMO at Thomond Park, making it the first top-tier men’s match with a female referee and female TMO.