Women’s Rugby World Cup

CHILL-OUT SUNDAY THE ELLIS RUGBY SCRUM QUEENS, THE STORY OF WOMEN’S RUGBY BOOK PREVIEW

The book has been comprehensively researched and detailed. Scrum Queens charts the fascinating journey of women’s rugby. As well as celebrating the success and heroics of the sport’s top players and teams. From widespread social disapproval. Through to the modern era of Olympic recognition and professionalism.

Covers the first Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991 & 2016 Olympics

It includes all of the significant moments in the history of the women’s game. From widespread societal disapproval. To groundbreaking games during the war. Also, includes the first World Cup in 1991. In addition, the first appearance at the 2016 Olympics.

The Pioneers of Women’s Rugby

Within the book are stories of the pioneers who fought to get the game played in its earliest days. Like New Zealand’s Nita Webbe. Also, France’s Henry Fléchon. And the modern-day drivers like England’s Carol Isherwood.
Also, covers specific team successes in the sport. Such as New Zealand’s dominance. Their long-time rivalry with England. And the emergence of teams such as Ireland and Fiji.

Acclaimed by Women’s Rugby World Cup Legend Maggie Alphonsi, The BBC and Rugby World

‘A vitally important book. Bringing to life the rich history of women’s rugby’ – Maggie Alphonsi, Former England Player.

‘A much-needed treasure trove of women’s rugby history. – Insightful, informative and inspiring’ – Sarah Mockford, Rugby World Editor.

‘Donnelly has created a masterpiece’ – Sara Orchard, BBC.

The author Ali Donnelly

Ali Donnelly is Executive Director of Digital, Marketing, and Communications at Sport England. She is a former Senior Civil Servant, who worked at Downing Street where she was the Prime Minister’s Deputy Official Spokesperson and the Head of News.

Ali was previously Head of Communications at Premiership Rugby club Wasps and has also worked in media and public affairs roles at the BBC have started her career as a journalist at the Evening Echo newspaper in Ireland.

A passionate women’s rugby fan and campaigner . Ali also runs the award-winning website Scrum Queens. And is the Director of Women’s Rugby at Teddington. Also, a member of the RFU’s Rugby Growth Committee.

Where to buy the Book?

The book is available to purchase from Amazon. Here is the LINK.

The First Lady of Rugby – Emily Valentine

While most rugby fans have heard of the legend William Webb Ellis. Also, his exploits at Rugby School in 1823. This is where the ‘handling’ football game was developed. And the game of ‘Rugby’ was established in 1871. As a result, the trophy played for the Rugby World Cup bears the name of the William Webb Ellis Cup.

Less well-known is women’s rugby history. Following research by John Birch, he uncovered the hidden history of ladies’ rugby. And the discovery of the earliest-ever record of a female playing rugby. The female was Irish-born Emily Valentine who played rugby as a girl in 1887.

Emily Valentine Women’s Rugby Clothing Brand by Ellis Rugby

Our womenswear brand Emily Valentine. Inspired by the first lady of rugby. We offer retro rugby women’s T-Shirts. In addition, comfy ladies’ rugby hoodies. Also, classic women’s rugby joggers. Or, view the full range HERE.