Munster Women’s Interpro Preview | Assistant Coach Helen Brosnan

Ahead of the Women’s Interprovincial Series getting underway next week, we catch up with Munster Women’s Assistant Coach Helen Brosnan as the squad prepare for their Interpro opener against Ulster at Irish Independent Park on Saturday 17 August (3pm).

A former Highfield, Munster and Ireland back, Brosnan was a key member of Ireland’s 2010 World Cup squad.

The Kerry native joins Munster Women’s Head Coach Laura Guest as part of this year’s all female coach and management team, which includes a number of former Munster players and Irish internationals.

The Munster Women’s team, sponsored by Keane’s jewellers, have been in camp for a number of weeks at both University of Limerick and Cork Institute of Technology campuses with an extended Interpro squad named earlier this week.

Brosnan said: “During every session the girls are working harder and combinations are coming together.

“Competition is strong and there’s lots of players fighting for starting positions as the excitement builds towards the first Interpro of the season.”

The former Munster and Ireland player is enjoying coaching the backline and has placed emphasis on a number of areas ahead of the Interpro Series.

“It’s been great – we’ve been working on skills and identifying space with good execution and communication also a focus over the last few weeks.

“The key is making the right decisions at the right time whether during a match or on pitch during a training session, so those processes come together on the day.

“Backing one another is important as well as working as a unit and playing for the team.”

Brosnan (centre) lifts the 2010 Women’s Interprovincial trophy with teammates. 

For the first time, both the Munster Women’s squad and the Munster U18 Girls squad will be coached and managed by all female staff.

“With years of playing rugby, representing Munster and wearing the jersey, it’s great to have the opportunity to pass on our experience and help the girls coming through the system.

“We all do it because we love rugby, we’re passionate about it and I think the girls appreciate our experience and knowledge of the game.

“They know where we are coming from as we’ve been there and gone through it. I think that’s a big advantage when it comes to developing our players.”

Brosnan in action during the 2010 Women’s Six Nations Championship. 

Munster came agonisingly close to retaining the Interpro Series title last season, having defeated Connacht and Ulster to set up a final meeting with Leinster in Donnybrook.

A dramatic 14-all draw resulted in Leinster regaining the title as a result of superior points difference over the defending champions.

“This season presents a new opportunity and although we have two games at home you can’t underestimate how difficult Connacht away will be.

“There is no easy game and hopefully we can get off to a good start against Ulster at Irish Independent Park.”

2019/20 IRFU Women’s & U18 Interprovincial Championship

Saturday 17 August
Munster U18 Girls v Ulster U18 Girls, Irish Independent Park, kick-off 1pm
Munster Women v Ulster Women, Irish Independent Park, kick-off 3pm

Saturday 24 August
Munster U18 Girls v Connacht U18 Girls, The Sportsground, kick-off 1pm
Connacht Women v Munster Women, The Sportsground, kick-off 3pm

Saturday 31 August
Munster U18 Girls v Leinster U18 Girls, Irish Independent Park, kick-off 1pm
Munster Women v Leinster Women, Irish Independent Park, kick-off 3pm