Imogen Ainsworth

Twickenham

Sports Journalist at Freelance

Women’s Rugby Editor at RugbyPass

Sports Journalist• Words in @TimesSport @eurosport @rugbyontnt @IndySport @RugbyPass @cyclingnewsfeed + • St Mary’s University graduate 🎓 • views my own •

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Articles

Rachel Malcolm ruled out of England clash, Helen Nelson named captain

1 week ago | rugbypass.com | Imogen Ainsworth

Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm has been ruled out of this weekend’s clash with England, with vice-captain Helen Nelson taking over the captaincy for the trip to Mattioli Woods Welford Road. Former Loughborough Lightning player Malcolm will miss the fixture due to a concussion, which she sustained during the loss to Italy in the weekend prior, meaning Evie Gallagher moves to the blindside from number eight for their round four fixture.
Amee-Leigh Costigan to captain Ireland against England

2 weeks ago | rugbypass.com | Imogen Ainsworth

Scott Bemand has made three changes to the starting line-up to face England in round three of the Women’s Six Nations in Cork on Saturday. Captain Edel McMahon and Enya Breen, who captained Ireland in two matches at WXV 1 last year, are both ruled out through injury.
Jasmine Joyce: 'We don't want to be the men'

3 weeks ago | rugbypass.com | Imogen Ainsworth

Three-time Olympian Jasmine Joyce has been subjected to online hate on social media following the post-match broadcast that followed Wales vs England in the Women’s Six Nations. Joyce, who was the first rugby player to represent Team GB at three Olympic Games and has over 40 Wales caps, took part in a TikTok dance trend with England player and Bristol Bears teammate Sarah Bern, and former players and captains, turned pundits, Katy Daley-McLean and Siwan Lillicrap.
Sean Lynn makes two changes to Wales ahead of England clash

4 weeks ago | rugbypass.com | Imogen Ainsworth

Wales head coach Sean Lynn has made only two changes to the team that lost 21-24 to Scotland in the opening round of the Women’s Six Nations. Gwenllian Pyrs and Gwen Crabb both come into the starting XV at prop and lock respectively, after coming on as replacements last weekend. Pyrs will join Carys Phillips and Jenni Scoble, in the front row, the latter making her second start for Wales.
USA make decision on Ilona Maher as they name player pool

4 weeks ago | rugbypass.com | Imogen Ainsworth

USA head coach Sione Fukofuka has named his player pool ahead of their spring Test matches – including the Pacific Four Series. The Eagles are set to host two matches in the coming months – against Japan on 26 April at UCLA’s Wallis Annenberg Stadium, and Canada to kick off their Pacifc Four Series campaign on 2 May in Kansas City at CPKC Stadium. USA stalwart Kate Zackary is named to take the national team captaincy into a seventh season, ahead of what would be her third XVs Rugby World Cup.
How John Mitchell is giving Red Roses a purpose in 2025

4 weeks ago | rugbypass.com | Imogen Ainsworth

England head coach John Mitchell has put in place a plan to give all Red Roses clarity as players battle for a space in the home Rugby World Cup 2025 squad. Mitchell, who took over from Simon Middleton in 2023, described how his prior planning of announcing the teams for two fixtures at a time will help give each player in the England camp a purpose during the Six Nations and beyond. “Our girls know exactly who’s playing next week.
Sara Seye: 'Italy have to keep bringing the physicality'

1 month ago | rugbypass.com | Imogen Ainsworth

Against England in their Women’s Six Nations opener, Italy put out a second-half defensive display that they can take immense pride from, which saw them only concede five points, scored in the 78th minute. Sara Seye, the Italy prop who plies her trade for Trailfinders in the PWR, said after the first-round match in York: “We had a good chat in the changing room after the first half and we showed in the second half how much character we have. We spoke about our defence.
Claudia MacDonald: 'For a while I didn't trust my body'

1 month ago | rugbypass.com | Imogen Ainsworth

Just over a year on from sustaining a second potentially career-ending neck injury, Exeter’s Claudia MacDonald will represent England for the first time in 16 months in their opening Women’s Six Nations game against Italy.
France team to face Ireland in Women's Six Nations opener

1 month ago | rugbypass.com | Imogen Ainsworth

Gaelle Mignot and David Ortiz have named their side to face Ireland in the first round of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations on 22 March. The team will be led by co-captains Manae Feleu, who starts in the second row (alongside Madoussou Fall-Raclot), and Marine Menager, who is named on the left wing.
Sean Lynn: 'To have my family in that huddle, dreams do come true'

1 month ago | rugbypass.com | Imogen Ainsworth

As Gloucester Hartpury became the first women’s Premiership team to win three consecutive titles, so ended Sean Lynn’s 24-year stint with Hartpury and Gloucester. From 9 am the next day, he officially transitioned away from leading The Circus into his role as Wales Women’s Head Coach as they prepare for their opening round of the Women’s Six Nations against Celtic rivals Scotland.