Great Britain v France: preview

Today Great Britain play their first women's rugby international against the ferocious femmes of France. Despite the intimidating thought of playing such names as Marie-Paule Gracieux and Christelle Henry, the British are in bullish mood for their match, which will be at Richmond Athletic Ground at noon. 'The bad weather could help us', said Tricia Moore, a dashing forward from Finchley. 'Frenchmen hate soggy pitches, and I hear the women are the same. ' Copyright (C) The Times, 1986

Source Citation
"Sports Diary: Hit and miss." Times [London, England] 19 Apr. 1986. InfoTrac Custom Newspapers. Web. 24 Dec. 2009.

Great Britain v France: announcement; Sponsorship of women's rugby

A first-ever women's international between England and France will be played at the Richmond ground on April 19, despite the loss of a pounds 12,000 sponsorship deal which the newly-formed Women's Rugby Union thought was all wrapped up.

The wine company Piat d'Or had approached the women's union, and a season's programme had been agreed, culminating in the France international, before Piats parent company cried off - the reason being that it had been unable to arrange a parallel deal with men's rugby.

For the women, who feel they were 'left in the lurch', it was a dismal reminder of their dependence on men's rugby. But they will stage the international anyway, even if the visitors have to pay their own fares.

Source Citation
"Rugby Round-Up." Sunday Times [London, England] 5 Jan. 1986. InfoTrac Custom Newspapers. Web. 24 Dec. 2009.

American Barbarians tour of England

The Times, Saturday, Nov 23, 1985; pg. 3

The American Barbarians, the women's rugby team, completed a clean sweep of wins on their first tour abroad last night, beating the South of England 20-0 at Sudbury. Candi Orsini at centre had a hand in three of America's first-half tries, scored by Ruth Bernack, Kerri Heffernan, Micky McVann and Karen Keith.

TV documentary on Magor women's rugby team

The Times, Wednesday, Apr 24, 1985; pg. 31

Feature: Leaving the touchline for the glory of the scrum

The Times, Wednesday, Apr 10, 1985

1885: Girl playing rugby at Portora Royal School, Enniskillin, Ireland

The Times, Saturday, Mar 30, 1985; pg. 12

Women's rugby grows quickly

The Times, Saturday, Mar 16, 1985; pg. 6