Mallow RFC: Girls Club Of The Month

Mallow RFC girls section has had a season to remember claiming both the Munster Under 15 and Munster Under 18 league titles.

Last September Mallow players Irene Herlihy and Niamh O’Sullivan represented Ireland U-19’s in 7’s rugby at the Sainsbury schools games. Mallow is currently represented by nine players in the Munster Under 18 squad which sees club member Niamh O’Sullivan honoured with the role as vice-captain.

The club’s U15 girls squad finished runners up in the annual Munster Rugby Clubs 7’s competition earlier in the year with the 18’s claiming third place. Both the Under 15 and Under 18 girls’ sides are unbeaten this season and currently lie top of their respective leagues.

In 2011 the club set out to establish a Women’s Senior XV squad with player and coach development at age grade level being their long term strategy to achieve their goal.

The club focused on having a strong playing base at youths level by increasing playing numbers from Mini’s right up to under 18 level as part of their player development strategy. It was also recognised that further action was required in terms of coaching structures thus ensuring the girls had every opportunity to develop as part of their player pathway.

In conjunction with Munster Women’s Rugby Development Officer Amanda Greensmith Mallow RFC coordinated a ‘Play Girls Rugby’ programme in St Mary’s and Davis College secondary schools in January and February this year. This provided the young students exposure to the game within school hours while also giving them the opportunity to play at club level in Mallow RFC.

Mallow RFC in conjunction with Munster Rugby recently ran a Leprechaun rugby course for transition year students at St Mary’s secondary school. The transition year students went on to coach rugby to first year girls attending their school resulting in the increase of playing numbers within the school.

As the club continues to grow Mallow field over twenty players in the Under 18 squad and nearly fifteen players at under 15 age grade. Mallow also fields an under 13 section and the number of girls playing mini rugby has increased significantly.

While the club is in its infancy Mallow are confident they will have an adult team competing in the next five years but in the meantime their focus will remain on the development of the underage game.

Mallow RFC Training Times & Contact Numbers

Monday

U13 Girls: 7.30pm – 8.30pm

Monday & Wednesday

U15 & U18 Girls 7.30pm – 8.45pm

Mallow Girls Coaching Contacts

U-13 Rob Dempsey 087 6160561
U-15 Ger Lane 087 9159405
U-18 Brian O’Connor 086 1020344

If you require any information on womens or girls rugby please email amandagreensmith@munsterrugby.ie