On a wet and dreary day Ashbourne RFC hosted a brilliant afternoon of contact rugby with approximately 50 girls ageing from 13-17 years old in attendance…
The high standards were set as the girls all arrived prepared for the day ahead and immediately getting themselves ready and warmed up to be prepared for the conditions.
The girls were lucky to have a number of CCROs and Irish international women’s rugby players on the day to help with skills, drills and game formation exercises. Firhouse Community College, St Mac Dara’s Community College, Ashbourne Community School and 6 Ashbourne RFC girls were all involved on the day playing in their own teams as well as mixing in teams, which showed they could adapt well.
The girls improved on their skills very quickly through a number of handling drills and games run by Nora Stapleton and Maz Reilly. The Leinster staff did a fantastic job teaching tackle technique and ruck allowing the girls to be aggressive and powerful.
There were a number of new girls who obviously play other sports that were easily transferable to rugby which showed a great deal of talent that can’t be taught and gave them great confidence in their ability. The speed and strength that was shown in the girls’ games was at a good standard which will only improve through playing more and more games.
A brilliant day of rugby in typical rugby conditions was had, I’d like to say a big thank you to all the Leinster staff involved and the Irish international players who made the day run smoothly. Finally, thanks to the girls involved and teachers and parents who accompanied them.
Any schools or community groups looking to introduce rugby to children in the South Dublin area should contact Leinster Rugby Community Officer Sophie Spence on 0862770471 or CROSouthDublinCC@leinsterrugby.ie.
