New Club Claremorris Seek Players And Coaches : Irish Rugby

The recently formed Claremorris RFC, set up with assistance from Connacht Community Rugby Manager Lyndon Jones, have successfully completed their first mini rugby sessions.

Over 100 children have taken part in the sessions to date with Claremorris RFC, with more numbers promised in the coming weeks.

The coaching team took the children through their paces initially with some fun games and drills before progressing on the Leprechaun (Touch) Rugby and the basics of tackling.

It is hoped that in the coming weeks the children will get to grips with the contact aspect of rugby and will play in Claremorris' first games during November.

Immense credit must go to Fergal Leonard, Andrew Maxwell and Eddie McLoughlin for the huge efforts they are putting into the South Mayo club.

Special praise must also be reserved for the coaching team of Kevin O'Malley, Aoife Conroy, Ann-Claire McLoughlin, Threasa McLoughlin, Cróna Esler, Pierce Hassey, Tom Merrick, Claire Glynn and Marie Leonard.

If you are interested in registering a child to play with Claremorris RFC or if you are keen to join the club as volunteer/coach then please take a look at the club's website, www.claremorrisrugbyclub.com or email claremorrisrfc@hotmail.com.

Felix Jones, who is the visiting coach in Ireland camp this week, spoke to Irish Rugby TV about how 'interesting' and 'valuable' his time in Tokyo has been, and also what the transition from player to coach is like. He retired in October 2015 and is now Munster's back-line and attack coach.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's second Test against Japan, Ireland tour captain Rhys Ruddock said: "We've been happy with the results so far, and there's been bits of the performances we've been really happy with and some bits that we're looking to improve on. Tomorrow marks the last opportunity to go out and do that, so we're all really excited about getting out there now."