Grand Slam Success Results In Fourteen New Women’s Teams

As the Irish Women’s Senior XV team continue their preparation for the defence of their RBS 6 Nations title the Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed that their 2013 Grand Slam victory has helped the women’s game to grow with an additional 14 clubs now fielding women’s teams in competitive fixtures, increasing the number of competitive women’s teams to 80 nationally.

Following the women’s historic victory the IRFU, the provincial branches and clubs nationwide, took part in a successful ‘Give it a Try’ campaign to develop existing and encouraged new teams with an open day for women and girls in their local rugby club.

The success of the campaign has resulted in the following clubs forming new teams, or strengthening existing teams to allow them to take part in competitive women’s/girls’ rugby this season:

Leinster	Munster	Ulster
Greystones*	St. Senan’s	Omagh*
Tullamore*	Thurles	Coleraine*
Unidare*	Cashel*	Banbridge*
	Bruff	Donegal Town*
	Dolphin*	Armagh
		Ballynahinch*

*denotes new clubs fielding women’s/girls teams

Scott Walker, IRFU Director of Rugby Development said: “The IRFU wish to congratulate all those involved in the growth the women’s game, particularly the women whose time and commitment to the sport resulted in Ireland’s first historic Women’s Grand Slam title.

We also wish to thank clubs who took part in the Give it a Try campaign, and congratulate the 14 new team, including 10 additional clubs now fielding a women’s team, who have helped to grow the total number of clubs offering competitive women’s rugby to 80.

“With such commitment and growth in our women’s game we are guaranteed a richer and more welcoming rugby family, and successful clubs on and off the pitch.”