Female Stars Given Chance To Turn Pro

The IRFU is giving female sports stars the chance to represent Ireland on a world stage through a Talent ID programme

The Union has challenged all female sports stars, who have dreamt about representing Ireland to find out if they have they have what it takes at its Talent Identification open days, which will take place at the IRFU High Performance base in Dublin City University on the weekend of 1st November.

The success of previous TID days resulted in 11 girls, with little or no rugby experience, joining the Irish Sevens set-up and becoming full-time athletes as part of the IRFU's high-performance programme, which competes on an international stage and is seeking qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

Challenging girls to see if they have what it takes Head Coach, Jon Skurr, said

"Talent ID days are an fantastic opportunity for sports women who have asked themselves if they have what it takes to represent their country to find out if they can become a full-time professional athlete and compete on an international stage."

"The players we have recruited to-date come from various sporting backgrounds with some never even playing rugby before they came to us. Therefore, we encourage everyone, irrespective of their sporting history, to challenge themselves and find out just what it takes to be an Irish Rugby Seven's International.”

Sevens player Lisa Jacob, who earned over 130 caps representing Ireland in hockey, encouraged girls to find out more:

"When I tried out for Sevens I was not sure what to expect as I had never played rugby. However, I was pleasantly surprised as it was far more athletic than I expected."

"The team support structures in place are really impressive and the set-up and coaching is really professional and I am so excited about being a full-time athlete.
Travelling the world to represent Ireland is a dream for many people and the chance to qualify for an Olympic games is simply amazing.”

A rugby sevens player needs to be fast, agile and skilful. They also need to display high levels of fitness and durability in order to be able to play multiple games over two days. It is not necessary for applicants to have had any previous rugby playing experience.

Those interested in attending the Talent Identification days can get more information and sign-up at here.

Closing date for applications is October 24th.