Singapore Women's Rugby

Guinness Singapore Women's Rugby XV 2009 - Wk 3

2009-07-16T09:53:00.003+08:00

Week 2: RSC v Bucks 24 -0

2009-07-14T10:56:00.005+08:00

Match Report by Emily Ortega

The second round of the Guinness Singapore Rugby Women’s 15’s League 2009 was held last weekend, with fixtures in both Singapore and Malaysia for the very first time since the inception of the league.

The ladies from Bucks travelled up to Bukit Kiara in Malaysia to face hosts, Royal Selangor Club (RSC). Both teams lost their first round matches last week and were eager to record their first win of the season.

RSC and Bucks were evenly matched until RSC scored the opening try and the first of their season when fullback Adele found a gap and managed to break through the Bucks defense, to the delight of the home crowd. Centre, Meiling Sybil Choong, who was later acknowledged by RSC as the player of the match, successfully converted the first try between the posts.

RSC added on to the score sheet when fly half Normasyirah capitalized on a momentary lapse in the Bucks defense. Meiling dutifully converted the try, bringing the score to 14-0 at the half-time whistle.

In the second half, RSC’s no. 8, Dianatasha (or Carl as she is commonly known to her team) scored the third try of the match off a scrum near Bucks’ try line. Meiling brought the score to 21-0 with a lovely conversion.

Bucks then gave away a penalty close to their try line, and Meiling again displayed her good kicking skills, effortlessly putting the ball through the posts for a successful penalty kick.

RSC may have had the win in their bag, but Bucks never gave up and fought all the way to the final whistle. Although they had scoring opportunities, they lacked the finishing touch to put them on the score sheet. Nevertheless, they put up a gallant performance for a new team of fairly new players. The match ended 24-0 in favour of RSC.

Week 2: SRC v Blacks 5 - 50

2009-07-14T10:32:00.010+08:00

Week two of the pool stages of the Guinness Singapore Women’s Rugby XV 2009 saw the two teams which will likely play in the finals - SRC and Blacks - pit it out against each other at Yio Chu Kang Stadium.

Blacks put the first points on the board in the twelfth minute but were punished for their indiscipline and SRC spent the next fifteen minutes camped out at the Blacks try line.

SRC were unlucky as their efforts to pick and go off the base of the ruck failed to pay off as the ball was turned over. But what meant to be a clearing kick by Blacks’ Tabitha Fong allowed SRC to capitalize on the extra numbers and launch an attack from 22 m out from the Blacks try line with Caslin Ong finishing out wide for SRC.

SRC should have kept their momentum whilst Blacks were on the backfoot but they allowed Blacks to respond within minutes and the tide seem to turn from there. Whilst the SRC forwards dominated most of the lineouts, the slow ball from the scrums did little to assist their backline which was attacking with little punch.

Blacks had trouble with their lineouts from the word go but their key strength were the scrums which were stable platforms that fed their backline quick ball. Derelyn Chua, who moved from fullback to out-centre this week sealed her place one of the stand-out players of this tournament by slicing the SRC inside backs apart with some piercing runs which rewarded her with a hat-trick of tries.

However, with all of SRC’s inside backs who played against RSC excluded due to injury, the final score of 50-5 last Saturday may yet reflect SRC’s potential at the finals with their full arsenal in play.

Guinness Singapore Women's Rugby XV 2009 - Wk 2

2009-07-10T11:54:00.000+08:00

Blacks and SRC draw first blood

2009-07-09T14:30:00.008+08:00

The third annual national women’s rugby championships kicked off at Saint Andrews School on Saturday.

This year, the Guinness Singapore Women’s Rugby XV 2009 sees the inclusion of the Royal Selangor Club, Malaysia (RSC) Dingos who took on Singapore Recreation Club (SRC) in the first of the two games last weekend.

RSC, who are playing their first year of 15-a-side rugby held off SRC well considering that the Dingos were defending entirely within their own half for the first 20 minutes but it was not long before SRC found the try line. Several defensive errors and turnovers at crucial lineouts cost the Dingos five more tries in the first half.

SRC’s indiscipline presented RSC an opportunity to venture into SRC’s 22m through a break by the lively Felicia Adele Ng. RSC would rue the lack of support off Ng, as it was one of the two opportunities they had in the match to put some points on the board.

The visitors tidied up their defence in the second half and SRC were able only to put in one more try after the half time through lock, Sophie Ngin Gollifer, who found the try line for the second time in the game, to bring the final score to 39-0. RSC put up a valiant defensive effort and are certain to improve when they face Bucks next week at home with a full strength squad.

In the second game of the evening, Blacks wasted no time as Derelyn Chua, who had a fine evening at full back, scored within minutes of the kickoff. Bucks were unable to contain Chua whose penetrative runs sliced through the scattered defence three more times that evening. Blacks scored a total of fourteen tries capitalizing on clean possession from the breakdowns and several turnovers at the scrums despite having a smaller pack.

Bucks may have conceded 78 points to put Blacks top of the table after the first weekend of games but they had a full squad and improved markedly as the game progressed. They will have plenty to look forward to as they travel to Kuala Lumpur this weekend to face RSC in the second week of the Guinness Singapore Women’s Rugby XV 2009.

Related Links:

Singapore Rugby Article

Fixtures & Results

Guinness Singapore Women's Rugby XV 2009

2009-07-02T10:27:00.006+08:00

Fixtures & Results

Singapore Rugby Lions Asian Women's Bowl Champions

2009-06-05T11:18:00.011+08:00

Singapore selected a largely development team, guided by 3 senior players, to participate in the ARFU Asian Women’s Championships 2009 in Pattaya, Thailand. The Singapore women’s rugby team claimed the title of Bowl Champions in a tight final against Iran.

Singapore was grouped with Uzbekistan, Hong Kong, China and Guam in the playoffs. Singapore started out by putting on the pressure in the first game against Uzbekistan. However two missed tackles and a turnover by Singapore saw Uzbekistan taking the game with a 19-0 win.

In the 2nd game, Hong Kong scored the first try from the kick off by running wide. Singapore came back strongly to put in two tries to lead the game at half time by 10-5, however Hong Kong replied with two quick tries after half time. Singapore replied instantly with another unconverted try to close the gap by 15 – 17. In the last minute of the game, but Hong Kong came back to put in one more unconverted try to seal the game with a 22-15 point win.

Singapore fielded mostly development players to gain experience against the China-the eventual Champions- and recent Rugby World Cup Bowl Champions. Singapore did themselves proud by scoring a team try against China from a free kick at the half way line but China ran out convincing winners by 52-7. In the last game of the day, Guam stepped up a notch, in miserable wet weather, and with three tries all converted, they won 21-0 against Singapore.

Day 2 saw Singapore grouped with India and Laos. Singapore took on India in the first game with an exemplary performance. Again the experienced players from Singapore were left on the bench to allow the ‘rookies’ to take the field. The team did well, blazing to a 50-0 victory. Singapore maintained their win against a more experience Laos with 5 unconverted tries.

In the Bowl Final, Singapore was up against a bigger and speedy Iran. Singapore started the game in a determined fashion and Priscilla Humphries scored the opening try in the 5th minute. Just before the half time, Annabelle Woo scored the 2nd try by attacking the blind side from a penalty. The second half saw Iran trying their best to get back into the game and they eventually scored a converted try. Singapore defended very well for the last 2 minutes of the game to emerge Bowl Champions.

Final Tournament Standings:

1. China - Cup Champions
2. Thailand - Cup Runners-up
3. Kazakhstan - 3rd
4. Uzbekistan - 4th
5. Arabian Gulf - Plate Champions
6. Guam Plate - Runners-up
7. Hong Kong - 7th
8. Chinese Taipei - 8th
9. Singapore - Bowl Champions
10. Iran - Bowl Runners Up

Related Posts:
IRB: China Crowned Asian Women's Champions
Guam Plate Runners-Up
Gulf take the plate

A5N: Singapore v Kazakhstan

2009-05-05T10:06:00.004+08:00

The Singapore men's XV, the Singapore Lions, will face Kazakhstan at 1700h at Yio Chu Kang Stadium this weekend in the Asian 5 Nations.

The pre-match programme includes a women's 7s fixture of Ngee Ann Polytechnic against the National University of Singapore.

1400h: Blacks vs. NUS (Women’s 7s)

1420hrs: HSBC Drop Goal Competition Semi-Final

1430hrs: Singapore Legends vs. SCC Growlers (Mens 15’s)

1545hrs: Minis (U8/U9) Centaurs vs. Tanglin

1610hrs: End of Pre-Match Programme

1700h: Singapore Lions vs. Kazakhstan

Get your tickets at www.sistic.com.sg or at the venue.

SRC Score Guinness SR 10s 2009 Title

2009-04-28T10:11:00.011+08:00

28 April 2009
Featured image courtesy of 28photography

SRC scored the Guinness Singapore Rugby Women's 10s 2009 Champions title after two rounds of the 10s tournament held over consecutive weekends.

Despite the pull out of Blacks RFC from the second round, the first ever champions title marks a significant milestone for SRC in the local women's rugby scene. SRC Captain Koh Mei Giet was very happy with the win and proud of their players who "played with a lot of spirit in both rounds of the tournament"

"We are especially pleased with our younger players who have been training hard for some time now and we’re just very glad that things fell together and the game plays that Sam came up with worked so well for the tournament."

Having snagged wins against the other four teams in the first round, SRC were in pole position to take the title in round two.

Singapore Rugby's first ever 10s league also marked the first time a tertiary side entered a team into the local women's national tournament.

The girls from National University of Singapore marked their debut by raking the highest score against SRC in first round, a commendable performance for a team participating in only their second tournament.

Guinness Singapore Women's 10s 2009

2009-04-09T12:20:00.007+08:00

Guinness Singapore Women's 10s 2009

Round 1

Saturday 11 April 2009 | YCK Stadium | 9am kickoff

Fixtures & Schedules

Singapore in Pool with RWC7s 09 Champions for HKW7s

2009-03-17T11:30:00.016+08:00

18 March 2009

The Singapore National Women's 7s Team is set to meet the Arabian Gulf, Tunisia, Guam and recently crowned Rugby World Cup Sevens Champions of 2009, Australia, in their pool in Hong Kong next week.

The 12th annual Hong Kong International Women's 7s will feature ten full international women's sides on 27 March 2009. The other countries includes, Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 Bowl Winners and finalists, China and Japan, which are pooled with Hong Kong, Thailand and Papua New Guinea.

Women's National Team 7s coach, Gene Tong, admits it will be tough running into Arabian Gulf and Australia, as both have a sound track record against the republic and playing dark horses Tunisia and Guam will not be easy. He is however, targetting a top five finish for this event.

"We've only had a month to assemble and prepare, but being a senior side, the team has been working very hard. Morale is high, and we look forward to improve on previous years standings."

NUS take M1 Girls 7s Title

2009-03-16T16:06:00.029+08:00

16 March 2008
Featured image courtesy of 28photography

The team from the National University of Singapore (NUS) took the M1 Girls Rugby 7s by storm at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium on Saturday against some strong competition from Singapore Management University (SMU), Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) and Republic Polytechnic (Republic Polytechnic).

The tournament featured six teams from various universities, polytechnics, ITE and schools which were coached by the Singapore Women’s National team players under Singapore Rugby’s development program.

It was a close call for SMU who won the game in Pool A by a single try against the ever feisty Bukit Batok Secondary School (BBSS). BBSS showed once again that their smaller frames did not mean they were a pushover when they put in a try in a 5-10 loss to NP, who eventually topped the pool with a 10-0 win against SMU.

In Pool B, ITE put up a strong fight against NUS but a fragmented defence left them trailing 0-15 at full time. RP, who were always strong contenders for the title, ripped the ITE defence apart with 26 unanswered points through their speedy runners and some solid kickoffs at the restarts. The final pool game between RP and NUS was a close one with RP up by a conversion until a late break by NUS put them ahead 10 -7.

RP lost their semifinal match against NP which continued their winning streak with a 10-0 victory. The second semifinal proved to be a real nail-biter with SMU putting in the first try from quickly taken penalty against a disorganized NUS defence. NUS had to play catch up but answered quickly with an unconverted try leaving both teams 5 points apiece at full time. The sudden death extra time had everyone on knife edge with some breaks and several smashing tackles from both sides but a lapse in the SMU defence allowed NUS to take the game 10-5 and proceed to the finals.

In the playoffs, ITE took fifth place against BBSS in a two-try winner. For the third place, RP re-gathered its troops and stepped up their game against SMU who gave away one penalty try from a high tackle bringing the final score to 24 - 5.

With both sides still undefeated, NUS and NP were posed for an exciting final. NUS put in an early try in the finals against NP and were in danger of allowing the NP attack through the ranks but some stellar cover defending from NUS and mishandling from NP prevented the latter from putting any points on the board. NUS won the final 10 - 0.

Columns :Rugby by Tetteyana Jasli

M1 Girls 7s Carnival 2009

2009-03-12T16:23:00.009+08:00

M1 Intro to Contact Girls 7s Carnival 2009

for Unis/Polys/ITEs/Schools

Saturday 14 March 2009 | Yio Chu Kang Stadium | Kick-off : 9 am

See Schedule & Fixtures

Tong Selects Squad for Hong Kong 7s

2009-03-10T15:48:00.018+08:00

10 March 2009

National Women's 7s Coach, Gene Tong, selected 10 players from the squad of 16 previously picked by the national selectors for the training squad for the 2009 Hong Kong International Women's 7s.

5 of the 10 players are from the squad which Tong last led to the the SEA Games silver medal in 2007.

The team will travel to Hong Kong on 26 March 2009 to compete in the event.

Women's Squad for Hong Kong 7s 2009

Ang Weiyi (Blacks RFC)
Tabitha Fong (Blacks RFC)

Sophie Ngin Gollifer (SRC)

Angelina Liu (SRC)

Tan Hui Juan (Blacks RFC)

Eunice Tay (Blacks RFC)

Wang Shao Ing (Blacks RFC)

Annabel Woo (SRC)

Serena Yeoh (Blacks RFC)

Angela Zheng (SRC)

Singapore Rugby Girls 7s for Unis, Polys & ITE

2009-02-24T13:41:00.005+08:00

The Singapore Rugby Girls 7s Programme for Universities, Polytechnics and ITEs for 2009 has begun. The participating institutions include ITE, NP, NUS, NTU, RP & SMU. The program will culminate in a tournament on Saturday, 14 March 2009.

Check with the following coaches for your training times:
Institute of Technical Education - Eunice 9694 0744
Ngee Ann Polytechnic - Angela 9877 3574
National University of Singapore - Shao Ing 9662 9244
National Technological University /NIE - Serena 9021 0427
Republic Polytechnic - Boo 90225 125
Singapore Management University - Haseena/Kristy 9726 3210

SR Selects Training Squad for HK 7s

2009-02-24T11:25:00.004+08:00

24 February 2009

National selectors picked the training squad of 16 players ahead of their preparations for the Hong Kong International Women's 7s to be held on 27 March 2009.

The National Women's 7s Team Coach, Gene Tong, who led the team to their Silver Medal at the SEA Games in 2007 has coached the Singapore women's 7s for the Hong Kong event 7 times, including their best showing in the plate finals in 2003.

The traveling squad of 10 players is expected to be announced next week

Singapore Women's 7s training squad 2009:

1. Ang Wei Yi (Blacks RFC)
2. Chan Jia Yu (Blacks RFC)
3. Yvette Chee (Blacks RFC)
4. Eunice Chu (SRC)
5. Tabitha Fong (Blacks RFC)
6. Sophie Ngin Gollifer (SRC)
7. Clarissa Lim (Blacks RFC)
8. Angelina Liu (SRC)
9. Victoria McColl (Blacks RFC)
10. Esther Tan (Blacks RFC)
11. Tan Hui Juan (Blacks RFC)
12. Eunice Tay (Blacks RFC)
13. Wang Shao Ing (Blacks RFC)
14. Annabel Woo (SRC)
15. Serena Yeoh (Blacks RFC)
16. Angela Zheng (SRC)

Blacks Win 9th NRC Title in Guinness Women 7s 2009

2009-02-18T10:41:00.019+08:00

18 February 2009

The Guinness Singapore Women’s Rugby 7s 2009 kicked off at the YCK stadium last Saturday with six teams from Blacks Rugby Football Club, Bucks Rugby Football Club and Singapore Recreation Club vying for the championship.

The defending champions, Blacks 1sts started with a comfortable 36-0 win against Blacks 3rds in Group A in the opening game and SRC 2nds had little trouble with their first game in Group B against Bucks RFC winning 27-0.

In the second round of pool games, Blacks 3rds suffered defeat to SRC 1sts which saw SRC running in several tries off its first phase plays in their 25-0 win. In Group B, Blacks 2nds beat Bucks 15-0 to secure their place in the semifinal.

With Blacks 3rds relegated to the 5th/6th playoff and the 2008 first runners up Bucks with a new squad, Group A saw the two strongest teams in the tournament meet before the semifinals. In a potential preview to the finals, Blacks 1sts took the final Group A game 27-0 against SRC 1sts. In Group B, a tightly fought game between SRC 2nds and Blacks 2nds saw the latter edge slightly ahead by one try.

There were no upsets in the semifinals as Blacks 1sts and SRC 1sts saw off the other semifinalists, SRC 2nds and Blacks 2nds respectively to set themselves up for a rematch in the finals. Blacks 3rds scored their first victory of the tournament in the 5th/6th playoff with a 15-0 win against the valiant Bucks.

Both Blacks 2nds and SRC 2nds shook off their semifinals defeats to put in a spirited performance and SRC 2nds emerged 7-5 winners by a mere conversion in the penultimate game of the championships.

In the finals, a tightly marshalled defence kept SRC in their own half for most of the finals and Blacks 1st sealed their 9th consecutive national rugby championships title with a convincing 34-0 victory over the SRC 1sts.

Guinness Singapore Rugby Women's Club 7s 2009

2009-02-09T12:33:00.009+08:00

The national rugby championships 7s will kickoff at Yio Chu Kang at 930 am on Saturday 14 February 2009. The 6 teams from Blacks RFC, Bucks RFC and Singapore Recreation Club will play a round robin format competition within the 2 pools followed by the playoffs.

SEE Schedule & Fixtures

SR Coaching Courses for 2009

2008-12-16T11:43:00.008+08:00

Singapore Rugby will be offering the following coaching courses over 2009. For enquiries to courses pls email samchan@sru.org.sg or visit www.singaporerugby.com for more details.

Orientation To Coaching

For: Students, Teachers, Parents with little or no rugby knowledge
Prerequisites: None
When: 9 March 2009
Duration: 4-5 hours
Fee: $30

IRB Coaching Level 1

For: Introductory. Anyone with an interest in coaching
Prerequisites: some knowledge of the game
When: 4-5 April / 18-19 July / 12-13 September
Duration: 1.5 days
Fee: $100

IRB Level 2 Coaching

For: Those interested in coaching age grade/adult players
Prerequisites: IRB L1 Coaching Certification OR played in a league for at least 3 years
When: 12-14 June
Duration: 2.5 days
Fee: $200

IRB Level 3 Coaching

Prerequisites: IRB L2 Certification
When: 2-4 October
Duration: 2 days

Hong Kong Scrapes Narrow Win

2008-12-15T16:53:00.016+08:00

9 December 2008

Hong Kong scraped a narrow 5-0 win against Singapore last Saturday at the Yio Chu Kang Stadium

The wet and muddy conditions did not bode well for the Singapore side who's backline had tested the Hong Kong defence several times out wide during the first test.

The entire first half (and indeed the game) was dominated by the hard-hitting Hong Kong forwards which, as with the first test, scored within the first quarter through their pick and go strategy. Hong Kong took full advantage of Singapore's weaker front row, often turning over possession at the scrums.

It was just not a night for Singapore as when they did secure possession through the Singapore lineouts, the Singapore backs had difficulty finding any flow.

The stadium roared when a turnover at the ruck allowed a break by winger and scrum half, Clarissa Lim and Haseena Allapitchay. The latter made nearly 40 metres with some nifty footwork but the reds and whites were not able to convert the break into any points.

Hong Kong must have rued their three misses at the penalties as it would have placed them further ahead.

With little possession, the Singapore side held fast and defended with the conviction shown in their first test but as the match wore on, it was evident that the Hong Kong side had reaped the benefits of being the midst of a domestic season.

The second friendly ended with a 5-0 scoreline to Hong Kong. Both countries will now look towards preparing for the 2009 Asian Rugby World Cup Qualifiers for the 2010 Women's Rugby World Cup in England.

Singapore:Annabel WOO, Gina TAN, Azurah Bte Mohd KHALID, Ailei TANDEAN, Sophie Ngin GOLLIFER, Karen YEOH, ANG Weiyi, WANG Shao Ing (C), Haseena ALLAPITCHAY, Eunice TAY (VC),Kristy TEH, Serena YEOH, Derelyn CHUA, Clarissa LIM, WONG Yilin.

Substitutes: Angela ZHENG, Priscilla HUMPHRIES, Rosdia Bte SIDIN, Yin Mei LENDEN, KOH Mei Giet, Nurasalasiah.

Related links:

SIN v HK ALBUM

28photography: Flickr Site

Columns:The Perilous Adventures of the Rugby Baby

Singapore Draws Hong Kong in First of Two

2008-12-05T15:08:00.009+08:00

5 December 2008

Singapore drew Hong Kong 10-10 in the first of the two test match series last night at the Saint Andrews Astro Turf.

The visitors put in the first try through their captain, Royce Chan, within minutes and went up 5-0. Singapore took sometime to find its feet but its defence remained resolute throughout a large part of the game. Indiscipline around the ruck area cost Hong Kong a penalty midway through the first half and Singapore skipper, Wang Shao Ing, took the 3 points.

At the set pieces, a powerful Hong Kong scrum and exposed the Singapore front row's inexperience and an inconsistent Singapore lineout limited the Singapore attacking opportunities during the first half which ended 5-3 to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong used their big and hard runners, Christine Gordan, Samantha Scott and Amelie Seure well with the trio gaining valuable yards for their side. The Hong Kong pack also gave the Singapore side some trouble with their driving mauls but the Singapore defence marshalled by flankers Ang Weiyi and Karen Yeoh and centres Serena Yeoh and Derelyn Chua held fast.

Sophie Gollifer, Ailei Tandean and Gina Tan soon found their rhythm and straightened out their lineouts in the second half. Stand-off Eunice Tay almost scored an individual try with a fine show and go but was stopped metres from the line by Hong Kong. The Singapore backs made several breaks but were kept at bay by the Hong Kong defence.

However, Singapore were not to be denied for long as the forwards shoved from a 5 metre scrum outside the Hong Kong try line. Wang picked from the back and a forwards effort saw hooker Tan score 5 points for the republic close to the posts.

With 15 minutes on the clock to go, Hong Kong continued to threaten Singapore's defence with their pick and go strategy. With feisty Hoty Chan egging her pack, the Hong Kongers swung the ball wide in Singapore's 22m and scored 3 mins from full time through Cookie Tse after a several phases of pick and go's at Singapore's try line.

The score on the whistle at full time was 10-10. Hong Kong play Singapore again on Saturday, 7pm at Yio Chu Kang Stadium.

Singapore:Annabel WOO, Gina TAN (1 try), Azurah Bte Mohd KHALID, Ailei TANDEAN, Sophie Ngin GOLLIFER, Karen YEOH, ANG Weiyi, WANG Shao Ing (C)(1 pen, 1 con), Haseena ALLAPITCHAY, Eunice TAY (VC),Kristy TEH, Serena YEOH, Derelyn CHUA, Clarissa LIM, WONG Yilin.

Substitutes: CHAN Jiahui, Priscilla HUMPHRIES, KOH Mei Giet.

Chan Pleased With Charges

2008-12-05T14:44:00.005+08:00

5 December 2008

The republic's former no.8 and Singapore National Women's Head Coach, Sam Chan, was pleased with his teams performance in the draw between Singapore and Hong Kong last night.

"The overall performance was above my expectations given that we have only had three weeks training."

"Hong Kong, who are in season, showed that they are more structured and they were generally better at the set pieces. But I was very pleased with the girls defence. They followed the game plan well".

When asked about his game plan for tomorrow evening, Chan said that he expects the game to be very tight.

"I'm more concerned about the fatigue levels in the team. We have effectively only played one friendly game against some boys in a controlled environment before these tests."

"If we can hold out until the final 10-15 mins of the game tomorrow, we should do well."

Singapore play Hong Kong in the second of the two test series at Yio Chu Kang Stadium at 7pm on 6 December 2008

Chan Announces Team Against Hong Kong

2008-12-01T10:55:00.023+08:00

2 December 2008

Singapore National Women's Team Head Coach, Sam Chan, announced Singapore's first XV for the first of two tests against the Hong Women's National Team this week. The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union has also released the names of their 23 players who are set to face the Singapore side on this tour.

With some senior players unavailable for selection, the Singapore squad features a mix of experience and youth with several players discovering new positions. Azurah Bte Mohd Khalid, who usually plays at loose-head for the republic steps into regular tight-head, Lee Tao Jing's, shoes this Thursday with Annabel Woo moving from lock to the front row.

Karen Yeoh will earn her first start for Singapore and it will be Sophie Ngin Gollifer's second time in the starting berth this Thursday.

Chan kept the axis of the starting pack intact with Gina Tan, Ailei Tandean, Ang Weiyi and Wang Shao Ing retaining their spots from the ARFU Women's XV Championships in June.

With half-backs Tan Hui Juan and Aslinda Abdullah away, arguably it is Haseena Allapitchay who will have the most different view of the game this time. Allapitchay, who usually features at inside centre or on the wing will make her debut at scrum-half.

"I have to be a lot more involved now especially in the area of communication . The biggest challenge for me has got to be taking on the huge organisational role that comes with being the half-back. It can be quite stressful at times but I am really enjoying myself and learning how to link up with the loose forwards. I think it's all about continuously going at it."

Elsewhere, the inside backs pack 7 caps each with club mates Eunice Tay, Serena Yeoh and Derelyn Chua playing alongside again for the country. Youngsters Clarissa Lim and Wong Yilin are backed by Kristy Teh in the back three.

SINGAPORE

1. Annabel WOO (SRC)
2. Gina TAN (Blacks)
3. Azurah Bte Mohd KHALID (Blacks)
4. Ailei TANDEAN (Blacks)
5. Sophie Ngin GOLLIFER (SRC)
6. Karen YEOH (SRC)
7. ANG Weiyi (Blacks)
8. WANG Shao Ing (Blacks) *Captain
9. Haseena ALLAPITCHAY (Wantoks)
10. Eunice TAY (Blacks) * Vice Captain
11. Kristy TEH (Wantoks)
12. Serena YEOH (Blacks)
13. Derelyn CHUA (Blacks)
14. Clarissa LIM (Blacks)
15. WONG Yilin (Blacks)

Management: Sam CHAN (Head Coach), Marcus Yeo (Assistant Coach), Malcolm DAVID (Team Manager), LEE Yu Han (S&C)

HONG KONG

Players: TAN Yiu Yuk (CWB), CHAN Royce (HKFC), GLORIA Cheung (CWB), Florence LIN (CWB), Cookie TSE (CWB), Rebekka KRISTIN (Valley), Christine GORDON (HKCC), Samantha SCOTT (Valley), Hoty CHAN (CWB), KWOK Yuk Lin (CWB), MAN Po Kei (GaiWu), Amelie SEURE (Valley), Christy CHENG (HKCC), SIU Man Nga (CWB), Antje KEIM (HKFC), Andrea LEUNG (CWB), Kim KAN (HKFC), WONG Man Yan (CWB), WONG Ka Yin (Gai Wu), SHAM Wai Shum (Gai Wu), LAM Yuen Ki (Gai Wu), Elaine LUI (CWB), KU Hoi Ying (Gai WU)

Management: Andrew TRANENT (Head Coach), Peter WRAY (Assistant Coach), Ruth MITCHELL (Manager), Hazel WALPOLE (Physiotherapist)

2008-11-27T09:42:00.013+08:00

Directions to : Saint Andrews Jnr School (Astro) & Yio Chu Kang Stadium

Hong Kong Sets Sights on Singapore

2008-11-13T16:48:00.005+08:00

13 November 2008

The Hong Kong National Women's 15s team is set to tour Singapore for a two-test series in the first week of December.

The Singapore Women's National 15s squad will commence training this week to prepare for the encounter with the visitors. New Head Coach, Sam Chan, faces a three week race to prepare the squad for the Hong Kongers who are in the midst of their domestic 15s league and who have been in training for club and country.

Although Hong Kong also participated in the 2008 ARFU Women's 15s Championships in Kazakhstan earlier this year, the last time the both sides met in a 15s format game was at the 2006 ARFU Women's Championships in Kunming. Hong Kong are currently ranked 5th in Asia and Singapore are ranked 4th.