Belgium: Back at the top – determined to stay

Belgium, squeezed between the two bigger and much higher profile women's rugby nations?˜of France and the Netherlands,?˜are often overlooked. Yet they have a history of international women's rugby that is longer than England's, and are one of a handful of European unions to maintain both a women's fifteens and sevens team, and have plans and ambition to move up the rankings.

Head of Performance at the Belgian Rugby Union, updates us on the recent history and future targets for a Union with a long tradition for women's rugby.

"Last season, both the Belgian male and female rugby sevens teams managed to get promoted to the European Grand Prix Series. Especially for the women, getting there has been tough going.

"Since 2011, the Belgian Rugby Union, in co-operation with the Flemish and French-speaking unions, decided to set up a professional environment that would allow Belgian women to perform under the best conditions by appointing a strength and conditioning coach and a medical staff alongside former head coach Stijn Van hauwermeiren and manager Chris Verstockt. The addition of new and professional staff has led to significant performance improvements."

"In 2012, Belgium showed the rest of Europe that they were able to be competitive at the highest European Level by coming in third at the European Qualifiers in Ghent behind Scotland and Ireland, who were added to the line-up at the last minute. One year later, Belgium managed to get promoted to the Women??s GPS after a very strong performance in Prague. As of this year, Belgium is looking to consolidatie in the GPS.

"As in any country with stong rugby ambitions, Belgium wished to consolidate a European Top 12 status and start to work upwards from there. To do so, the Belgian Unions understand that they will need a continuous stream of new players to feed the national team."

"Therefore, it is paramount for a country with few female rugby players, to not only invest in the development of their current squad, but also assure a broader selection pool for the years to come. The selection of new players for the national team has been based on two pillars: the transfer of talent in non-rugby athletes and talent identification within rugby."

"This strategy has led to a rapid expansion of the selection pool in Sevens rugby. Since 2012, Belgium has managed to create three competitive teams: an under 18 team, a development seniors team and a first seniors team. Undoubtedly, broadening the selection pool will assure a rugby future for Belgium

"Currently, the Belgian team is being led by Richard Williams, a highly experienced, and motivated Welsh coach. Under Williams, the Belgians have competed in a number of preparatory tournaments against direct competition Germany, The Netherlands and Ireland. In these tournaments, the Belgian women showed that they will not be a push over in the Grand Prix Series (GPS - the Top 12)."

"Williams will have to establish a solid tactical and technical base in order for the girls to be competitive against countries such as Russia, France, England, Spain, The Netherlands and Ireland, who all have centralized programs in rugby Sevens involving professional or semi-professional athletes. These nations are able to train on a day-to-day basis with their athletes and are able to provide them with the best scientific, medical and rugby-specific support.

"The Belgian Women however, are still fully amateur, meaning that there has never been any finacial or otherwise compensation involved with playing rugby. The women all manage to play Sevens alongside studies or a professional career and, although the amateur status has many disadvantages, we do see that the Belgian Women are in every way as ??professional?? in their attitudes towards training, nutrition, recovery etc. than the girls from more renowned rugby countries."

"However, it is undoubtedly so that a semi-professional status, recognised by the Belgian Olympic Committee, will mean a giant step forward for Belgian Rugby. This willingness to succeed and the urge tob e recognised will make Belgium a very capable contender at this season??s GPS."

Richard Williams adds:

"Preparation is almost complete for BelSevens first venture into the European Championships. The squad is now both excited and ready to compete against the best teams in Europe.

"During the course of the season, the management group have worked with a squad of around 25 players who have received regular training sessions on both the physical preparation and also tactical and technical knowledge. Throughout the season, coaches such as myself and Job Fransen have been overwhelmed by the strong work ethic and professional attitudes from all of the 'amateur' players.

"The squad have evolved throughout the season and have played a number of warm up games against Ireland, Holland and Germany in preparation for this summer. The squad for the Championships marries together a good blend of youth and experience, with a high percentage of players coming through last seasons successful campaign.

"The group have set some ambitious yet realistic targets this season, but a lot will depend on the mental strength of the players when faced with tough challenges. We have tried to create a fun, professional and challenging environment for all of the players to ultimately learn and develop in. As a group, we are confident in our own ability and will embrace the challenges that lie ahead in both Moscow and Brive."

Emilie Musch (Boitsfort), Carmen De Donder (Dendermonde, Cathy De Geyter (Boitsfort), Charlotte Van Eecke (Dendermonde), Ciska De Grave (Antwerp), Ga??lle Portier (Coq Mosan), Evelien Rosier (Leuven), Margaux Stevins (Boitsfort), Sytske D??Haeseleir (Ovalie Caennaise), Margaux Lalli (c) (Frameries), C??cile Blondiau (Soignies), Aude Risselin (Boitsfort)

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