Women's pathway to compete in Transatlantic Quad Series
England Women's pathway players will participate in the inaugural Transatlantic Quad Series this July.
The new U19 programme is a first for the Women’s Pathway at England Rugby, which has been specifically designed to support targeted players transitioning from the U18 age-grade and for U20 players not selected for the upcoming Six Nations Women’s Summer Series in Parma, Italy.
Taking place between Sunday 13th and Wednesday 24th July upon conclusion of the Women’s Summer Series, England will face two Tests against Canada (Friday 19th July, 17:30 BST kick-off) and USA (Wednesday 24th July, 17:30 BST kick-off) at Cardiff Arms Park.
The travelling party of 28 pathway players will include an option for a limited number of players up to the age of 23 to be selected in each matchday squad.
Management have started work with the selected cohort in training camps running alongside U20 Women’s team, who will experience ten camp days in preparation for the trip over the border.
With the tournament designed to ensure further international exposure for age-grade players, the series also offers the opportunity for further alignment between England Rugby pathway management. Within the competition window, match week 1 will be led by England U18 Women’s head coach James Cooper and his coaching group with further support from U20 Women’s staff, with LJ Lewis and her team then leading the players into match week 2 with further assistance from the U18 staff.
Streaming information for the Transatlantic Quad Series will be communicated in due course.
LJ Lewis, England U20 Women’s head coach and programme lead, said: “Confirmation of this series follows on from the announcement of the first Six Nations Women’s Summer Series, it feels like a transformational time for the women’s pathway in the sport.
“The Transatlantic Quad Series offers a platform for our players transitioning between age-groups and is a window for development for our girls through meaningful game time.
“We’re delighted to have been invited to participate in the series and to have the opportunity for further cross-collaboration between nations in order to develop women’s rugby.”
