Wendy Hickey, WRDO for Connacht, has been encouraged by the response from players both in and out of the province.

"We had 28 players from clubs across the country taking part in the open day at the weekend," she said.

"It was great to see a lot of new faces making their way to Connacht!

"Playing for Connacht this season offers the opportunity for players to play representative rugby as well as the chance to be seen by the Ireland management team, as the Women's Six Nations will be kicking off in February.

"Last year saw two players get capped for Ireland who played for Connacht, Claire Molloy, who played her rugby in Wales but is from Galway, and Helen Jones who plays for Highfield.

"There's no better way to make an impression when you're actually on a playing pitch, not warming up a bench.

"Many thanks once again to Tuam RFC, and especially to Paul Cosgrove - his hospitality and welcome to his local rugby club is second to none."

Anyone interesting in playing women's rugby for Connacht can contact the team manager Angela Flaherty on tel: 086 247 4844 or by e-mail to angelaflaherty@eircom.net.