Emilie Bydwell: Trailblazing Coach Leads USA Women's Rugby to Olympic Bronze

Emilie Bydwell: Trailblazing Coach Leads USA Women’s Rugby to Olympic Bronze

Emilie Bydwell’s historic achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics has not only etched her name in the annals of rugby but also marked a significant milestone for women’s sports. As the first female head coach to lead a team to an Olympic medal, Bydwell has shattered barriers and inspired countless aspiring athletes.

Bydwell’s journey to the pinnacle of coaching began in Canada, where she honed her skills as a player. Her exceptional talent earned her accolades such as three-time All-American and 2007 Collegiate Player of the Year. She made her debut for the USA Eagles in 2008 and captained the team at the 2016 Olympics.

After transitioning to coaching in 2019, Bydwell’s impact on USA women’s rugby has been profound. As interim head coach, she guided the senior women’s sevens team to a silver medal at the 2019 Pan American Games. Her coaching prowess extends to developing the women’s sevens pathways, where she has mentored the USA Falcons and the U18 Women’s team, leading the latter to a silver medal in the 2016 European Championships.

Bydwell’s vision and dedication have also shaped the USA Women’s Sevens Academy, which has produced six graduates who have earned their first caps at the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Her unwavering commitment to women’s high performance has driven transformative changes across the senior sevens, XVs, and age-grade programs.

At the Paris Olympics, Bydwell’s team showcased an electrifying brand of rugby, culminating in a thrilling bronze medal victory. Her leadership and tactical acumen were instrumental in the team’s success, making her an inspiration for both athletes and coaches alike.

Bydwell’s achievement is not only a testament to her exceptional abilities but also a symbol of the growing recognition and support for women in sports. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring female coaches and athletes, demonstrating that with determination and passion, anything is possible.

Harlequins Swing the Bat to Reach Champions Cup Semi-Finals

Harlequins Swing the Bat to Reach Champions Cup Semi-Finals

Harlequins’ audacious approach propelled them to a thrilling 42-41 victory over Bordeaux-Begles in the Champions Cup quarter-finals, securing their first semi-final appearance in the tournament’s history.

The English side, led by director of rugby Billy Millard, displayed unwavering determination and attacking prowess throughout the high-octane encounter. Millard’s “swing the bat” mentality proved effective as Harlequins overcame a formidable Bordeaux-Begles outfit.

The match erupted with a flurry of tries, with both teams crossing the line six times. Harlequins’ scrum-half Will Porter opened the scoring, followed by a penalty try awarded after Bordeaux-Begles’ Mateo Garcia illegally obstructed Marcus Smith’s pass.

Despite the scorching heat, Harlequins maintained their intensity, extending their lead to 28-12 at halftime. Porter notched his second try, while flanker Will Evans added another. Bordeaux-Begles responded with scores from Maxime Lucu and Romain Buros.

In the second half, Lucu’s positional switch to fly-half proved pivotal. He orchestrated a comeback, reducing the deficit to 28-19 with a try from Nicolas Depoortere. Lucu’s accurate kicking kept Bordeaux-Begles in contention, but Harlequins remained resilient.

Alex Dombrandt’s try for Harlequins was countered by Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s score for Bordeaux-Begles. The lead changed hands twice in a frantic final quarter, with Madosh Tambwe and Tyrone Green crossing for their respective teams.

With just four minutes remaining, Tambwe’s second try set up a potential match-winning conversion for Lucu. However, the French playmaker’s attempt sailed wide, handing Harlequins a memorable victory.

Harlequins will now face either Toulouse or Exeter in the semi-finals, while Bordeaux-Begles’ European campaign comes to an end. The English side’s triumph is a testament to their attacking flair and unwavering belief, as they continue to make history in the Champions Cup.

France's Forward Power Demolishes Wales in Six Nations Clash

France’s Forward Power Demolishes Wales in Six Nations Clash

France’s dominant forward pack propelled them to a resounding 45-24 victory over Wales in the Six Nations on Sunday, keeping their hopes of a runners-up finish alive.

Fly-half Thomas Ramos contributed 20 points through his boot, while scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec impressed with his performance. France’s five tries to Wales’ three saw them move into third place in the tournament standings, level on points with Scotland.

The French bench played a crucial role in securing the victory, showcasing their depth and strength against a young and developing Wales team. Wales coach Warren Gatland acknowledged the impact of France’s replacements, stating that they “had a significant impact.”

France captain Gregory Alldritt praised his team’s forwards, emphasizing their physicality and impact in the collisions. He expressed confidence in their ability to challenge England in their upcoming match, which will determine the runners-up position behind Ireland.

France coach Fabien Galthie echoed Alldritt’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of the France-England rivalry and the importance of maintaining their intensity and tempo.

Despite their disappointing draw with Italy, Alldritt emphasized that the team responded well against Wales. He attributed their victory to their hard work and determination to make France proud.

Gatland remained optimistic despite Wales’ winless record in the tournament, emphasizing the importance of embracing the challenge and giving a strong performance at home against Italy. He acknowledged the pressure and expectation surrounding the match but expressed confidence in his young players’ ability to learn and improve.

Italy’s victory over Scotland has set up a thrilling finish to the Six Nations, with Wales facing a must-win game against the Azzurri to avoid finishing bottom. Gatland stressed the need for his team to step up and learn from their mistakes.

Marcus Smith's Drop-Goal Stuns Ireland, Ends Grand Slam Hopes

Marcus Smith’s Drop-Goal Stuns Ireland, Ends Grand Slam Hopes

England’s Marcus Smith delivered a dramatic last-ditch drop-goal to secure a thrilling 23-22 victory over Ireland at Twickenham, ending the reigning Six Nations champions’ hopes of a successive Grand Slam.

Despite trailing 17-8 early in the second half, England rallied with tries from George Furbank and Ben Earl to take a 20-17 lead. Ireland’s James Lowe scored his second try to edge the visitors ahead, but Smith’s late heroics snatched victory for the hosts.

England dominated the first half, with Ollie Lawrence scoring the only try. However, Ireland’s Jack Crowley kept them in the game with four penalties, giving them a 12-8 halftime lead.

After Lowe’s early second-half try, England responded with Furbank’s score. Peter O’Mahony’s sin-binning proved costly for Ireland as Earl crossed for England’s third try.

Lowe’s second try in the 73rd minute seemed to have sealed Ireland’s victory, but Crowley’s missed conversion proved crucial. England refused to give up and Smith’s drop-goal in the dying moments secured a memorable triumph.

The victory revives England’s title hopes after their defeat to Scotland last time out. Ireland can still retain their crown with a win at home to Scotland next Saturday.

France's Six Nations Title Hopes Evaporate After Early Exit

France’s Six Nations Title Hopes Evaporate After Early Exit

France’s Six Nations title hopes have been extinguished after a disappointing start to the tournament. With three rounds played, the team has recorded a win, a draw, and a loss, marking the earliest exit from title contention under coach Fabien Galthié.

The team’s poor form has raised concerns, especially considering their strong performance at the Rugby World Cup just five months ago. Galthié has responded by making eight significant changes to the starting lineup for their upcoming match against Wales, including three debuts.

Among the changes, hooker Julien Marchand, locks Thibaud Flament and Emmanuel Meafou, captain Gregory Alldritt, scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec, and wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey have been brought in. Thomas Ramos has switched to flyhalf, while Nicolas Depoortere and Léo Barré will make their test debuts in midfield and fullback, respectively.

Meafou’s inclusion has generated excitement among French fans. The 2.03-meter, 145-kilogram prop has been a key player for Toulouse, helping them win three Top 14s and the 2021 European Cup. He received French citizenship last November and has been training with the national team for nearly a year.

Meanwhile, Wales has also struggled in the Six Nations, losing 10 of their last 11 matches. They have made several changes to their lineup, including dropping experienced centers George North and Nick Tompkins in favor of Joe Roberts and Owen Watkin. Captain Dafydd Jenkins has also been moved to the blindside flank to accommodate Will Rowlands.

Despite their struggles, both teams are determined to secure a victory in their upcoming match. France will be looking to regain their form and prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with, while Wales will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart