In a week when two Ireland Women’s Sevens teams are in Dubai, we take a look at the IRFU X7s which is proving to be a gateway into the sport for girls who want to try rugby, and also a pathway to success for those who aspire to wear the green jersey.
Earlier this month Ard Scoil Mhuire from Ballinasloe were crowned IRFU X7s champions, beating Sacred Heart Westport in a final full of brilliant attacking rugby and some breathtaking tries.
The Ard Scoil Mhuire team included 16-year-old starlet Beibhinn Parsons (pictured below), who has since become the youngest ever Ireland senior international having won her first cap against the USA. She was also sprung from the bench against England at Twickenham last Saturday.
The Ard Scoil Mhuire side was captained by Meabh Deely, a member of the Emerging Talent squad this season. The talented scrum half was also part of the Ireland Under-18 Women’s Sevens team that won the Home Nations series in the summer.
A number of other players have come through the X7s pathway to be part of the Ireland Sevens set-up, including Megan Burns who spearheaded former champions Tullamore to the title previously. She was recently awarded an Ireland Sevens Development contract. Many other girls who try X7s are also going on to play 15s through their local clubs.
Speaking at the finals, Ali Finlay of Enniskillen Grammar School said: “So many girls have played X7s with us and then gone to a club, because they realise how great rugby is. It’s the camaraderie, the friends you make.”
Nora Stapleton, the IRFU Women’s and Girls Rugby Development Manager, commented: “We have 24 teams here today and the standard has been fantastic. We want the game to be easy enough for teachers, who may not have experience in the game, to introduce it in their school. The cross-pitch also suits players of every shape and size, which is important for rugby as we continue to keep it a game for all.”
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