Naas RFC recently hosted a Girls Rugby Extravaganza which was the last competition of the season for girls playing rugby in Leinster, and it turned out to be an extremely enjoyable day for the players and spectators alike…
This day was the culmination of the five previous Blitz Days’ held in Leinster since September. To ensure a fantastic finale to the girls season Leinster Branch invited teams from all over the country to participate in the day, which boasted competitions across three age grades; Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 at one venue for the first time this season.
A total of 12 teams travelled from 11 different rugby clubs in Leinster and Munster; Naas, Clane, Wexford, Wicklow, Gorey, Cill Dara, and Bandon, Crosshaven, Highfield, Shannon, and Carrigaline, bringing together over 150 young female rugby players to meet for the day.
The competition was organised with 12 shortened games in each age grade, putting huge emphasis on the speed and agility of the young players to score tries fast. After an energetic and highly entertaining afternoon of rugby, Shannon’s fantastic Under-13 team won the medals for their age group.
Carrigaline beat four strong Leinster teams and won the Under-15’s competition, and the Gorey girls tackled their way through some tough matches to win the Under-17’s tournament, with the Bandon, Crosshaven and Highfield combined team, and Shannon finishing as joint runners-up.
Leinster Rugby are working hard to promote and develop Women’s Rugby at all levels and this event is an illustration of this effort. Next season has already started to be planned, with a regular Girls League Competition running, and with additional work being done to promote a Seven’s season in the build up to the 2016 Olympics where Ireland hopes to compete.
If you are interested in being involved in Girls or Women’s Rugby in any way please contact Jennie Bagnall, Leinster Women’s Development Officer on 086-3322136.
