Mather back in the women’s game
Wasps FC have appointed one of the world's leading female coaches Giselle Mather to be its fulltime women's Director of Rugby.
Published by Alison Donnelly, September 22nd, 2016
3 minute read
Mather has held a number of coaching roles including as Head Coach of Wasps FC Ladies between 2001 and 2004, taking the team to back-to-back Premiership titles.
She’s guided the London Irish AASE Squad [Advanced Apprenticeship and Sporting Excellence] to Plate Winners and South League Winners. She's also a former Back’s Coach of the England Women’s Senior team, and coached the England U20 Women to three seasons unbeaten and back-to-back Nations Cup Titles.
In the men's game Mather coached Teddington RFC to a phenomenal unbeaten run of 62 matches, which encompassed four promotions and two Twickenham cup finals.
The appointment comes at a time of major steps forward in the English Women's Premiership, where more and more teams are aligning themselves with their professional men's partners and playing week in week out in major stadiums, and more investment in coaching and facilities is proving hugely beneficial.
Mather said “To be back at Wasps ladies at such a progressive time in womens rugby is a hugely exciting prospect for me. To help the current squad develop both individually and collectively and put Wasps Ladies firmly on the map as a place to play expansive, exciting and enjoyable rugby is a real privilege and an opportunity I am very much looking forward to. "
Richard Green, Chairman of Wasps FC stated “We are delighted to welcome Giselle back to the club. She is the highest qualified female coach in the ladies game and her wealth of experience will provide our teams with world-class coaching. It is a first step in our project to regain our place at the very top of ladies rugby, her appointment kicks off our program to up-skill every coach and player across the wider club.”
Some highlights from Giselle’s CV
Playing Career
1989 - 1998 - England Women’s Rugby – World Champions 1994, Runners up 1991, 3rd 1998 European Champions 1996, 5 Nations Grand Slam Winners 1995, 1996, 34 England Caps1998 - 1999 - Teddington Antlers1992 - 1998 - Wasps Ladies1990 - 1992 - Richmond Ladies1988 - 1989 - Teddington Antlers
Coaching Experience
2008 - 15 - AASE Manager London Irish Rugby Club2005 –15 - London Irish Elite Player Development Groups2006 -07 - RFU Level 4 - Only female holder of this award.2006 - 09 -England U20s Head Coach - Unbeaten, U20s Nation Cup Champions back to back.2004 - 06 -England Senior Women’s Backs Coach - Grand Slam Winners 2006, Runners Up World Cup 20062008 - 12-Teddington Antlers Men’s 1st XV - Head Coach - RFU National Junior Vase and Senior Vase Champions, 2010, 2011 at Twickenham, 3 consecutive promotions from Surrey 2 to London 2 unbeaten for 63 games. Middlesex Cup Winners.2001 – 04 - Wasps Ladies - Back-to-Back Premiership Titles 2003 and 2004