The Leinster and Ireland props, Cian Healy and Martin Moore surprised the Leinster Women’s team on Monday evening by taking a scrummaging session with them in Westmanstown…
Forwards coach Andy Kenny, who coached both Cian and Martin at SCT for Belvedere and Castleknock respectively, asked his former charges to share some of their knowledge and experience with his new players. Working with Peter Bruce, the Leinster Women’s scrum coach, the two internationals shared some tips with the girls and also problem solved some issues, leaving the pack feeling very well prepared for the upcoming Interprovincial Championship.
Leinster won the Interprovincial series last season, and is looking to retain their title with a very different team this season; Leinster provided 11 of the 26 players to Irelands successful World Cup Squad. Rob Forbes is in his second year as head coach to Leinster Women and has worked hard to restructure the various squads in the province to provide a smoother transition between club and representative sides.
His introduction of a development squad, coached by Mere Baker, has paid huge dividends. With only six of last year’s winning squad available this year, there’ll be a lot of players making their representative debuts this season. The experience and coaching the players received in the development squad since the end of last season has been vital in integrating the players into Rob’s playing philosophy.
Cian’s and Martin’s input on Monday was very well received. Leinster’s Captain, Ann Marie Rooney is one of only two forwards who remain from last year. When asked about how the session went, she said “the girls were definitely bolstered by meeting the Leinster men. It’s given the pack a real boost before the Interpro’s. The girls learnt lots and we are all steam ahead to defend our title.”
Cian said that he was “delighted at how physically strong the girls were, and at their level of technical ability. I’ll be keeping a close eye on them to see how they get on next month in the Interpro’s”.
Martin was equally impressed, saying “I had no idea what to expect, but the girls really knew their stuff. It shows great strength in depth that Leinster can provide seven forwards to Ireland and still have such quality remaining in the squad.”
Over the first three weekends in September, Leinster will face Connacht (away 6th September in Galwegians), followed by Munster, 13th and Ulster 20th (both at home in Ashbourne RFC), in their quest to retain their Interpro title. With women’s rugby riding high following on from the success of the Irish team, it’d be great to see as much support as possible cheering on the girls in the Interprovincial Championship.
