Catch up on the latest rugby news including Toby Booth's appointment, Will Genia's retirement, and Emma Wassell's triumphant return to the pitch.
Topics covered
In the latest whirlwind of rugby news, we see some major developments that are sure to get fans buzzing. Toby Booth is stepping back into the sport with a prominent international role, while Will Genia bids farewell to his stellar career.
And let’s not forget about Emma Wassell, who’s making a remarkable comeback after major surgery—talk about resilience! Buckle up as we dive into these exciting updates as the rugby world gears up for significant tournaments.
Toby Booth Takes on New International Challenge
Former Ospreys coach Toby Booth is back in action, now serving as the high-performance and technical consultant for Hong Kong China Rugby. This news comes just in time for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, where Hong Kong will compete in their very first World Cup in Australia.
Can you imagine the excitement?
Booth shared his enthusiasm for this new chapter on LinkedIn, stating, “Following the successful qualification for the men’s XVs World Cup in 2027, I am happy to share that I’m starting a new position as High Performance Strategic and Technical consultant at Hong Kong China Rugby.” His commitment to supporting the team as they prepare for the tournament is palpable.
Before this role, Booth left his position at the Ospreys back in December after a rocky start to the season. His departure was swift, with Mark Jones taking over just three months later. Now, Booth’s expertise will be a game-changer for Hong Kong as they embark on this momentous journey in their rugby history.
Will Genia Announces Retirement from Rugby
In a heartfelt announcement, Australian rugby legend Will Genia has officially hung up his boots at the age of 37. Known for his exceptional skills as a scrum-half, Genia has represented the Wallabies across three World Cups, racking up an impressive 110 caps over his decade-long international career. What a legacy!
Genia took to Instagram to express his gratitude, saying, “Thank you to the teams, my teammates, coaches, teachers, friends, and all the wonderful people in the game who helped me, guided me, shaped me, included me, put up with me, and made me better.” His final international match was back in 2019, and he leaves behind a storied career that included stints with Kintetsu Liners and Stade Francais.
Phil Waugh, CEO of Rugby Australia, praised Genia, stating, “Will was a world-class number nine who starred on international rugby’s grandest stages for more than a decade.” His contributions to Australian rugby will be fondly remembered, cementing his legacy of excellence.
Emma Wassell Returns to the Pitch After Surgery
Scotland rugby star Emma Wassell is ready to make her triumphant return to the field, exactly a year after undergoing a significant operation to remove a benign tumor. The 23-year-old is set to compete against Wales in the Rugby World Cup opener in Salford—what a remarkable comeback after facing health challenges!
Reflecting on her journey, Wassell said, “To be back playing for Scotland, it’s hard to put into words. There were many moments where I feared I never would again, yet there was also a big part of me that knew I wouldn’t stop until I did.” Her resilience truly shines as she gears up for this important match.
Wassell’s story is one of determination and strength, having faced a challenging year that included two major surgeries. Now, she’s ready to showcase her skills on the international stage, highlighting the vital role of her teammates and the support she received throughout her recovery. Isn’t that inspiring?
Sarah Hunter Champions Women’s Rugby Growth
Former England captain Sarah Hunter is buzzing with excitement for the upcoming World Cup, where she’ll serve as a defense coach for the England women’s team. Having retired in 2023 as England’s most capped player, Hunter reflects on her journey and the impressive growth of women’s rugby.
Hunter stated, “I’m super excited just to see them go out. They’re all ready… it’s really exciting for them to be coming now to a home World Cup.” She expressed immense pride in the squad’s progress and dedication during their pre-season preparations.
As the Red Roses head into the tournament as favorites, Hunter’s experience and insights will undoubtedly be key to the team’s success. With a strong lineup and renewed energy, England is poised to make a significant impact—can you feel the excitement building?
