Women in Motorcycling at Twickenham
We asked Lindsay Atkinson from Women in Moto and Sophie McGinn, a Motorsport presenter and content creator to lead the Red Roses team bus into Twickenham for the momentous game against France on Saturday 29th April. Riding the new Honda CB750 Hornets, Sophie and Lindsay lead the team bus bringing together women in Motorcycles and women in elite sports.
The Red Roses once again made history by setting a new attendance record of 58,498 at Twickenham Stadium. The game was a thrilling display of rugby prowess and a testament to the growing popularity and recognition of women's rugby.
Those who arrived early were treated to a view of the new Honda Hornets and the England coach as they made their way down London Road towards Twickenham, winding through busy roads flanked with cheering fans soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the sunshine.
Once on the field, the match was a riveting example of action-packed rugby and a sign of the progress being made in the sport. Full match report below.
"What we achieved yesterday at Twickenham was amazing, not just for women on Motorcycles, but women in all sports. It was an honour to lead the England Women's team into the stadium, and to see them crowned champs was unbelievable and very emotional. Can't thank Women in Moto UK and Honda UK Motorcycles for putting women at the FOREfront on two Honda Hornets!"
"We must have been good luck charms, because their epic win made history as the highest attended women's rugby game ever at 58,498 attendees!"
MATCH REPORT
England scored six tries to secure a TikTok Women's Six Nations Grand Slam in their first ever standalone fixture at Twickenham Stadium in front of a record-breaking crowd.
58,498 fans packed into the Twickenham stands to witness history in the making, 20 years on since Maxine Edwards led out the side against France in 2003.
Four first half tries from Abby Dow, Marlie Packer, Alex Matthews, Zoe Aldcroft and one penalty try gave the hosts a commanding lead at the break. France responded through Emilie Boulard, Gabrielle Vernier, Charlotte Escudero, Emeline Gros and Cyrielle Banet in the second half, but Lark Davies' try made the difference in a pulsating fixture at the home of England rugby.
Simon Middleton's charges had their work cut out for them in the opening exchanges as France came out firing from kick off. Jessy Tremouliere opted for the sticks after an early penalty, but the ball flew wide of the posts to keep the scores.
England struggled to find an exit from their 22 as France continued to pile on the pressure, but an electric break from Helena Rowland in the 17th minute created the space for Dow to score on the right wing and break the deadlock.
This seemed to ignite the hosts' fire as their attacking flair began to show. A second try soon came through the hands of captain Packer, the who powering over the line under the sticks.
Tremouliere was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on in her own 22 and the resulting scrum punished the visitors as Matthews piled over from the base for England's third. France were shown a second yellow for a Rose Bernadou infringement close to the line, with referee Aimee Barrett-Theron awarding a penalty try to the Red Roses.
Aldcroft's converted try on the cusp of half time sent her team to the changing room with a commanding 33-0 lead after a 40-minute spell which saw England make 430 metres from 90 carries.
STATS
France started the second half in similar fashion to the first, applying pressure in England's 22 and eventually finding the line through fullback Boulard for their first try of the game.
Vernier's score in the 56th minute was met with fierce response from the Red Roses, who worked their way up the pitch for Davies to score from the base of a driving maul. Escudero found the line for her side's third in similar fashion soon after.
Packer looked set to score her second try of the game in the final quarter, but her effort was deemed to be held up by Carla Arbez. France secured their bonus point score through Gros before Banet's effort in the final seconds brought the score to within five.
But it was too little too late as the clock entered the red and the final whistle sounded, confirming England as Grand Slam champions.
Line-ups
England
Starting
15. Ellie Kildunne, 14. Abby Dow, 13. Helena Rowland, 12. Tatyana Heard, 11. Claudia MacDonald, 10. Holly Aitchison, 9. Lucy Packer, 1. Hannah Botterman, 2. Lark Davies, 3. Sarah Bern, 4. Zoe Aldcroft (VC), 5. Sarah Beckett, 6. Sadia Kabeya, 7. Marlie Packer (C), 8. Alex Matthews.
Finishers
16. Connie Powell, 17. Mackenzie Carson, 18. Maud Muir, 19. Poppy Cleall, 20. Morwenna Talling, 21. Natasha Hunt, 22. Amber Reed, 23 Jessica Breach.
FRANCE
Starting
15. Boulard, 14. Banet, 13. Menager, 12. Vernier, 11. Llorens, 10. Tremouliere, 9. Bourdon, 1. Brosseau, 2. Sochat, 3. Bernadou, 4. Feleu, 5. Forlani (C), 6. Berthoumieu, 7. Hermet, 8. Escudero.
Replacements
16. Riffonneau, 17. Mwayembe, 18. Khalfaoui, 19. Menager, 20. Gros, 21. Chambon, 22. Arbez, 23. Filopon.
The collaboration between the two industries was a powerful symbol of gender equality, and a reminder that women can achieve greatness in any field they choose. The sight of two female bikers leading a team of elite rugby players into one of the most iconic stadiums in the world was a moment to remember.
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