Six Nations Trophy Inspires Newry Girls To ‘Give It A Try’
The Women’s Six Nations trophy, along with Ireland’s Grand Slam-winning out-half Nora Stapleton, visited Our Lady’s Grammar School and St. Mary’s High School in Newry, County Down last week.
Women’s and girls’ rugby have enjoyed an increase in participation in the last few months since the Ireland Women’s team won the Six Nations Grand Slam in March this year.
Jonny Graham, Ulster Rugby’s Community Rugby coach for the Newry and Mourne area, is currently delivering weekly sessions to various classes within the two schools – Our Lady’s Grammar School and St. Mary’s High School.
As a result, Newry Rugby Club Women’s team, who won the Development Cup last season, are looking to form an Under-18 team, with sessions beginning in the next couple of weeks.
Both Our Lady’s and St. Mary’s were very excited to have the trophy and Nora Stapleton present, as well as members of the Newry Women’steam to help create a link between the schools and the club.
The girls were given the opportunity to get a photo with the trophy and some took part in a session with Nora and Ulster Rugby’s Female Development Officer Zoe Templeton.
Following this, they were able to ask Nora some questions about her success and listen to how she got into the sport.
The day was a huge success with a lot of girls very keen to join a club and progress their rugby careers further.
There have been seven new female teams established within Ulster in the past six months, with another seven in the pipeline.
This is due in large part to the role played by Ulster Rugby’s two Female Rugby Officers, employed under the ‘Promoting Equality, Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion Through Sport’ programme which is funded by the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure.
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