Newsletter: 29 April 2025

Image: Jeffrey Lin, Unsplash

“Talent will only get you so far. Hard work will get you the rest of the way.”

This is one of Beth Mead’s favourite quotes and we love it too.

Welcome …There’s been *a lot* of exciting results in football and rugby so read on for all the info!

Football

Glasgow City booked their own spot in the final with an impressive 4-0 victory over Motherwell. The nine-time champions look ready to defend their crown as they prepare to face the defending champions Rangers in what promises to be a thrilling showdown at Hampden.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Women’s Premier League title race is hotter than ever. After 27 games, Hibernian sit just one point clear at the top with 64 points, but Rangers are breathing down their necks on 62, with Glasgow City close behind on 61. Every match counts as these top teams fight for supremacy.

In Wales, while the stars were out for Wrexham’s men as they were promoted, the women’s football team were defeated by Cardiff City in the Bute Energy Welsh Cup Final. Cardiff’s Lily Billingham setting off the goal scoring with this looping shot.

The All Island Cup, a cross-border competition featuring top women's clubs from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland kicked off at the weekend. Northern Irish teams were unsuccessful across the board but the tournament continues May 24th.

And in England, the drama came from the Champions League semi-finals.

Chelsea may be at the top of the WSL, but their nemesis Barcelona struck again in the Champions League, knocking them out in the semi-finals. This is manager Bompastor’s first season and while the Blues continue their dominance at home, winning the Champions League trophy remains outstanding and the reason for her hire.

Across London and Chelsea’s rivals Arsenal had a shock win over Lyon (Bompastor helped them achieve Champions League glory). Arsenal are now in the Champions League final against Barcelona after putting four past Lyon to win 5-3 on aggregate. They were last in the final 18 years ago. Congratulations Arsenal!

Rugby

The drama wasn’t limited to footy as we saw the final weekend of the Six Nations. England have been dominant - understatement - throughout the tournament and this weekend they were up against their closest rivals, France.

Half-time the score was 31-21 to England and France were starting to show signs of a comeback. It was the second half that was explosive with scoring from both sides once more and a final score of 43-42. Coach John Mitchell thinks England’s defence was week and mistakes were made but still the grand slam was secured. The learning experience of this final Six Nations’ contest is super-valuable in terms of their World Cup 2025 prep.

Wales finished their campaign at the bottom of the table, losing to Italy in Parma at the weekend.

Scotland beat Ireland in Edinburgh with a last minute try from Francesa McGhie. Ireland finished third and Scotland fifth.

ICYMI

Tennis - After the success at the Billie Jean King Cup, the GB women began their clay court season at the Madrid Open. Fran Jones battled through qualifying to reach her first WTA 1000 main draw, joining Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal and Emma Raducanu.

To have four out of the top five GB female players in the main draw is a HUGE SUCCESS for British tennis! Hopefully it can be continued throughout the rest of the clay season and into grass. By Amelie Brooks

London Marathon - Ethiopian Tigst Assefa is the new women’s marathon world record holder set at last weekend’s London Marathon. The hot temperatures suited her she said!

Contributors needed! - We need contributors for the following sports. This is a paid role!

Football

Rugby

Cricket

Email us if you are interested. We read every email!

Thanks for reading! If you have a story to share, get in touch!

See you next week!

The WAGIS Team