RWC Countdown: Getting To Know Fiona Hayes

As we draw closer to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 in France this August, we catch up with prop Fiona Hayes who is one of seven Munster players recently named on the Ireland squad.

Fiona joins Munster Captain Heather O’Brien, Gillian Bourke, Siobhán Fleming, Laura Guest, Niamh Briggs and Niamh Kavanagh as they prepare to take on defending Champions New Zealand, Kazakhstan and USA who they face in the opening round of Pool B.

Originally from Limerick city, Fiona began her rugby career with UL Bohemian while studying a masters at the University of Limerick.

Following selection on the Munster Women’s side in 2009, Fiona claimed her first of three interprovincial titles that year and was part of the historic Ireland side that won the Grand Slam in 2013.

Also a keen soccer player, Fiona captained UL to winning the Ireland Intervarsities title in 2005 and won the FAI Cup with Cork side Douglas Hall in 2013.

The Ireland squad of 26 travel to Barcelona tomorrow, 4th July to take on Spain on Saturday, 6th July (kick-off 6pm local time) in a pre World Cup warm-up friendly.

To view the Women's Rugby World Cup Fixtures 2014 click here.

Getting to know Fiona Hayes

Date of birth: 13/09/1982 (Age 31).

Club: UL Bohemian RFC.

Munster Caps: 16

Ireland Caps: 5

Profession: Youth Worker.

Favourite food: I love poached eggs in the morning, but love Indian korma as a treat!

Book you are currently reading or just finished: Trying to get my hands on Nigel Owens autobiography at the minute, I'd say it's a great read.

Favourite film: I love watching Anchorman or happy Gilmore or Step Brothers…………cracks me up!

Favourite programme: We love watching My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding in our house!!

Favourite Actor/Actress: Was very impressed with Leo di Caprio in Wolf of Wall Street.

Favourite holiday location: I love to travel and loved New Zealand and Vietnam when I was there.

Marooned on a desert island, what could you not do without: Food! As a prop I love my food so definitely couldn't do without that………….or my dogs.

Favourite sport other than rugby: Soccer, although all the diving at the minute is putting me off. Those soccer players are far too soft!

The sport you least like: Cycling

Person you would most like to meet : I would love to meet Slash from guns and roses, his autobiography was entertaining.

Sportsperson you admire most: I admire Paul O’Connell so much. A Limerick legend!

Where and when did you first play rugby: I started playing rugby first when I started my Masters in UL when I was 23. I had played soccer all my life and said I'd try something new. Being a centre half, I knew I would take to rugby!

Hobbies: Music and watching TV. I'm trying to go surfing once a week at the minute, although I'm pretty bad at it!

Biggest influence on career: I don't like giving her a big head , but it's probably Fiona Couglan (Ireland Captain). She scared the life out of me for my first few years in Bohs, so I think the fear helped me not make too many mistakes and develop as a player.

Best advice you were ever given: What doesn't kill you can only make you stronger.

Best advice you would give yourself: Play till your body can't take anymore.

What you most/least like about playing rugby: I love the ruck in rugby, it's where I like to create havoc! I hate not getting paid for playing rugby………..it would be great to be professional.

Other sports you have played: I have played Soccer, Gaelic Football and some Boxing.

Best rugby memory: Getting my first cap against England, where we won 25-0 in Ashbourne.

Rugby player you admire most: I admire the Honey Badger! He just says it like it is.

Rugby team you admire most: Has to be Munster. The greatest team in Europe. The heart we have in this province is special.

Sporting event you would most like to attend: I would love to watch a boxing match in Las Vegas or go to the Super Bowl.

If you weren't a rugby player what would you be: I reckon if I wasn't a rugby player I'd be fat!! All the training keeps me somewhat in shape.

How do you like to pass away the time on tour and in training: Normally I like to watch TV to unwind or have a laugh with my buddy Stacy Lee.

Three people you would invite to dinner and why: I would like to invite Lance Armstrong to dinner to ask him how he lied for so long. I'd ask Pink over so she could play a few tunes and lastly Richie McCaw so I could get a few tips on the breakdown off him!

Fiona Hayes (left) celebrates the historic Ireland Women's Grand Slam win 2013