Japan Edges Fiji, Ukraine Debuts in XVs and Rugby World Cup 2023 Kicks Off | WRR 121

Welcome to the Women’s Rugby Rundown for Sep 4-10. Japan emerged victorious with a 29-24 score in a closely contested match against Fiji as both teams gear up for upcoming WXV fixtures, and they are set to clash once more on September 16th. Meanwhile, Ukraine made their XVs debut against Catalonia, a two-time Spanish Champion, falling short with a 15-7 score and the 2023 Rugby World Cup opened with wins by Italy, Ireland, Australia, England and Japan. The Black Ferns, England, and Canada have announced their training squads as they prepare for the WXV. England and Canada are set to face each other on September 23rd and 30th, and the Barbarians have also unveiled their roster for a two-match series against South Africa and Munster on the same dates. Auckland secured their first Farah Palmer Cup Premiership title since 2015 with a thrilling 39-27 victory over Canterbury, while Northland emerged victorious in the Championship by defeating Manawatū 32-29, earning them a promotion to the Premiership for the upcoming year. In Scotland's Premiership, Watsonian maintains an undefeated record, while in Wales' Admiral National League Premiership, Caereinion Obra and Llandaff North lead the table as the competition reaches Round 2. In the WPL Round 12, Berkeley, Gray Wolves, and New York claimed wins, setting the stage for semi-finals on October 7th with the same teams. Furthermore, the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has proposed hosting an invitational Champions Cup final, featuring English champions Gloucester-Hartpury against French champions Stade Bordelais. We close out the week with 7 features, 3 media and 4 rugby jobs. Read everything at https://scrumhalfconnection.com/2023/09/11/womens-rugby-rundown-for-sep-4-10/ and become a supporter of our site at https://www.patreon.com/yscrugby. tl;dr: In the Women’s Rugby Rundown for Sep 4-10, Japan won 29-24 against Fiji, Ukraine debuted with a 15-7 loss to Catalonia, and the 2023 Rugby World Cup kicked off with wins by Italy, Ireland, Australia, England, and Japan. England and Canada announced training squads for the WXV, Auckland clinched their first Farah Palmer Cup title since 2015, and Northland earned a promotion. Watsonian remains undefeated in Scotland, and Caereinion Obra and Llandaff North lead in Wales. WPL Round 12 winners set up semi-finals on October 7th, and the Barbarians revealed their roster for matches against South Africa and Munster.