Munster Rugby Welcome The Addition Of Two New Clubs

Munster Rugby are delighted to announce that two new clubs have become members of the Munster Branch of the IRFU.

The Munster Branch Committee ratified a proposal from the Munster Rugby Committee to award membership to Lisdoonvarna RFC and Cork Hellhounds RFC at the Branch meeting on the 2nd June 2021.

Cork Hellhounds RFC is an LGBT-inclusive rugby club based in Cork. Their aim is to encourage and promote rugby among the LGBT community in Cork and the wider Munster region.

The team train weekly in Cork City where complete beginners and experienced players are welcome to take part, regardless of sexuality or gender identity.

Club president and founder Adam O’Brien said:

“It’s fantastic, it feels very surreal. Munster Rugby has been behind us 100%. There has been plenty of support for myself and my committee getting this done over the last couple of months.”

With a large catchment area, Lisdoonvarna RFC will provide a rugby offering for underage players in the North Clare region. The club operates out of the pitches at community-owned Lisdoonvarna Failte CLG.

The club will also be hosting the IRFU’s Give It A Try programme on July 27th which will offer an opportunity for girls aged 8-14 to learn how to play rugby in a fun environment.

Honorary Secretary of Lisdoonvarna RFC Frankie Burke said: “It’s great to have the club up and running now and we’re looking forward to Give It A Try on July 27th.”

Head of Rugby Development Colm McMahon said:

“Although it has been a challenging year for domestic rugby in the province, we can now look forward to welcoming two new clubs to the Munster Rugby family ahead of the 2021/22 season.

“I would like to congratulate Cork Hellhounds RFC and Lisdoonvarna RFC on becoming members of the Munster Branch. It is a testament to the passionate volunteers and our hard-working staff that we welcome the addition of two new clubs after what has been an unprecedented 18 months.”

For more information on Cork Hellhounds RFC, please visit https://corkhellhounds.ie/. For more information on Lisdoonvarna RFC please email Frankie Burke frankieburke1@gmail.com