If there were a phrase to sum up the top women's rugby players to those who have never watched the game it would probably be that they are the 'best rugby players you've never heard of.'
In the majority of countries it is played women's rugby is a minority sport, but it will take centre stage in England this year when the World Cup comes to town, and the sport will take advantage of a few of its remarkable representatives who we'll be hearing lots more of in the months ahead.
Alphonsi: on the charge for England
Here are a few of the household names to get you started.
The first is Canada's Heather Moyse, the fullback who was the top try scorer at the last World Cup but who made headlines recently by winning a gold medal at the Winter Olympics in the bobsleigh event.
That feat has made her a well known name in Canada and her return to the Canadian Rugby Squad in time for the World Cup means the tournament has a very marketable face across the water.
The Australians are bringing a wealth of stars with them to London, including Kirsty Giteau, the sister of Matt, and Debbie Hodgkinson - the current IRB Women's Personality of the Year.
Alison Donnelly
Quotes of the week
Another name and face who is well known closer to home is the Wales fullback Non Evans who seems to making a habit of setting herself ambitious targets and then breaking all sorts of records.
Not only is Evans on course to break the world record for international tries (she's on 64 - level with David Campese and just five behind Daisuke Ohata of Japan who has 69) but after this year's 6 Nations she decided to take up wrestling in an effort to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Games in October this year.
Evans was at the 2002 Commonwealth Games where she became the first female to compete at two separate sports by entering the weightlifting and judo competitions. But even then, representing Wales at two major international events within two months this year would be a remarkable feat for this over-achiever.
The Machine
In England, while most fans might recognise the captain Catherine Spencer who has been banging the drum for the game a lot recently and been doing a great job, a better known name might well be Maggie Alphonsi, who the Sky Sports team dubbed 'The Machine' some years back because of her tackling ability.
Alphonsi has been a mainstay of the England squad for many seasons now and at the World Cup she'll be a leading player as the home team try and win the crown for the first time.
The Australians are bringing a wealth of stars with them to London, including Kirsty Giteau, the sister of Matt, and Debbie Hodgkinson - the current IRB Women's Personality of the Year.
But their leader and face of their squad is Cheryl Soon, the captain who was also one of the key faces of the IRB's bid to have Sevens at the Olympics.
Soon travelled the world in an effort to spread the Sevens message last year and as Australia captain she lifted the first ever Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens title in Dubai in 2009, making history in the process.
These players are a few of the standout names who will represent their countries at this year's World Cup, being broadcast on Sky. There are more than 300 other players in London for the event this August though.
Catch them if you can.
Alison Donnelly is the editor of women's rugby website www.scrumqueens.com
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Comments (9)
Richard Taylor says...
I'm sorry and really surprised at your experience Mr Greene... "Try being a little friendlier to people who do appreciate and love the game of rugby and do actually want to wish you well." I have taken my daughter to several internationals over the last 5 years.Even after 80 minutes battle we have always found the players approachable, friendly, and appreciative of the support they get. They will happily sign autographs, pose for photos and give their valuable time for a chat. (Special thanks to Karen Andrew and Maggie).My daughter is the proud owner of a rugby ball signed by all the Englands womens team. The players friendliness has really warmed us up on those cold winters days!
Posted 19:11 1st May 2010
Alison Burgin says...
I must admit I have to agree with the ladies regarding the media coverage of the victorious female team in any sport, but particularly Rugby Union. I have grown up with this sport and qualified as a mini junior ref and coach several years ago. However I do agree with Thomas Greene in relation to the hostility of some of the players, particularly the ones I was involved with at Doncaster. If ones face does not fit then you are never included. This sort of attitude is totally wrong and poor communication will only result in womens rugby teams folding. However I will ensure I watch out for the names mentioned as I thoroughly enjoy rugby union.
Posted 07:16 29th April 2010
Alison Donnelly says...
Thanks for all of the comments guys. Thomas - I don't think anyone here is complaining about the lack of coverage these girls get - in fact I think the coverage in the UK over the past year has been pretty good, and I believe Sky will do a great job in televising the live games at the World Cup. There is a legitimate debate about coverage of all women's sports in the UK but women's rugby is not in a bad situation on the whole. On the friendliness front I can only talk for myself but come and have a chat with me at any game - I'm always happy to talk rugby! S Mac - I completely agree about Heather Fisher - she has had an amazing year and is the most improved player in England this year. A backrow of her alongside Maggie and Catherine is frighteningly good!
Posted 17:23 28th April 2010
S Mac says...
As someone who has played against 'The Machine', that grimace is usually a permanent fixture on the face of anyone who comes up against her!!! Great run down of the one's to watch...I think after the England 6 Nations campaign though, Heather Fisher has to be up there as one of the best players in the squad right now, and Rocky Clark is always difficult to manage in the front row, and around the park!! Bring on August now I say!! Can't wait!! Keep up the good work spreading the Women's Rugby word Allison!!
Posted 14:56 28th April 2010
Thomas Greene says...
I am really looking forward to the world Cup and will be taking my sons and daughter to a few games. I really enjoy women's rugby but why oh why do you all have such chips on your shoulders? My wife's hockey team ( full of England internationals) never go on and on about the men's hockey teams or whinge how little coverage they get etc - how much hockey of any gender do we see on TV? I don't mean to be hostile here but I have been to a lot of womans rugby games and while I really love the skills and passion shown on the field I am left cold by the hostility and unfriendliness of the people involved off the field. I have played since I was 5 years old and coach U11's and have always felt part of one big rugby family - except when I go to a women's rugby game. I was speaking to an ex-England women's skipper about this and she did admit that there were a lot of cliques. Try being a little friendlier to people who do appreciate and love the game of rugby and do actually want to wish you well.
Posted 14:13 27th April 2010
Richard Taylor says...
Thanks for the run down Alison, they are certainly worth watching ~ love the grimace of the Canadian as she meets 'The Fonz'!
Posted 10:46 24th April 2010
Wendy Young says...
Nice to know who the USA players are up against! Great writeup covering some of the best women's players out here. Wendy
Posted 20:22 23rd April 2010
Claire Standley says...
Hear hear! Far from the dismal, depressing affair that was the England men's Six Nations campaign, our ladies won yet another Grand Slam but received virtually no media attention or credit for this feat. And when was the last time an English men's team defeated New Zealand? 2003 - I just looked it up. Whereas Catherine Spencer led England to a phenomenal victory over the Black Ferns just this past November. The opportunity to showcase this talent during the World Cup in and around London in August is a superb one, and I hope they get the kind of turn-out that is all too familiar to England's men, but actually deserved by our women.
Posted 12:46 23rd April 2010
Sarah Edwards says...
Nice work on highlighting the names to follow! I'm sure there will be a few more stars after the world cup has finished
Posted 12:41 23rd April 2010