Ashbourne have been putting their facilities to good use with training matches against other teams in the area, while Old Wesley celebrated their annual dinner in ‘presidential’ style.

Ashbourne

As part of their training regime, Ashbourne Rugby are using their new grounds and facilities for training matches against surrounding clubs. Ashbourne recently hosted a short training match against Boyne, another local Leinster Junior League Division One club.

Boyne faced Ashbourne for a training session which included a match played against Ashbourne’s J1 squad.  With both teams having played each other in the league, they are now helping each other out – Ashbourne hope to do this with other clubs when they have played them in the league as both rugby directors, Dave Duff of Ashbourne and Boyne’s John Sheridan agreed this was a very worthwhile exercise.

Even though the weather was poor, both teams found training a pleasure rather than a chore under the match quality lighting of Ashbourne’s all-weather pitch.

Club President Rod Cosgrave said: “This is the way forward for rugby. These training games/match plays are more beneficial to teams and coaches than in mundane training sessions.”

Ashbourne have also found that head coach Steve Sparza, a former rugby league coach, is a huge benefit to the new way of coaching.

Both teams would like to thank Kevin Beggs for his time and expertise. The Ashbourne referee, who a regular match official in the AIB League, gave both sides a valuable insight into how referees officiate games.

View the IrishRugby.ie video feature on Ashbourne Rugby Club – click here.

Old Wesley

Meanwhile, Old Wesley RFC recently held their annual Club Dinner at their Dublin 4 grounds and the evening attracted a full attendance of 152 members and guests.

Club President Robert Deacon opened proceedings by welcoming the attendees. IRFU President Der Healy and Leinster Branch President Michael McLoughlin were present.

The after dinner speeches were made by Old Wesley Deputy President Eddie Fogarty (toast to the Union), IRFU President Der Healy, Henry Anderson (welcoming the guests) and Dave Robbie (on behalf of the guests). A great night was had by all.

Old Wesley and Lansdowne unveil joint new facilities – click here.