The biting cold, the relentless rain, storm force winds and the prospect of an Irish winter still waiting around the corner have provided Caitlyn Ah Fook and Takiah Buchanan with an introduction to life on this side of the world that neither will forget.
But beneath the extra layers of clothing, the occasional confusion over Irish accents and the understandable longing for warmer weather, the pair have discovered something that has made their extraordinary journey worthwhile.
A new rugby family.
Just over a month after leaving Australia to join Ennis RFC, the two talented players have already settled into life in Clare, helped their new side begin the Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division 1B campaign with consecutive victories and embraced an adventure that extends far beyond the rugby pitch.
This weekend, they will make another journey, albeit a considerably shorter one, when Ennis travel to face Ballincollig in an eagerly anticipated Munster derby.
For a club entering only its second season in the All-Ireland League, the arrival of two players with extensive experience across different rugby codes and international competitions represents another exciting development.
For Ah Fook and Buchanan, however, the experience has been about much more than rugby.
It has been about friendship, discovering a new country and finding somewhere thousands of miles from home that already feels remarkably familiar.
“The girls are so lovely and inviting” Buchanan said as the pair both sat down to chat to IrishRugby.ie
“I've been here just over a month. She's been here a month and it already feels like we've got a family there and we've got two wins out of the gate.
Really enjoyable games as well. Hard games. It's been really good to see how we all mesh and the coaching staff and everyone's been really lovely and welcoming. I don't think we could have picked anywhere better to be honest. And we're loving it so far. But yeah, definitely freezing.”
The weather has become a running joke between the Australians and their new teammates.
While the Gold Coast is nice and toasty in the summer season at the moment, Clare is preparing for the darker, colder months of the Irish rugby season. And the difference has been impossible to ignore.
“The weather has been a bit crazy at the moment” Ah Fook laughed.
“It's only October. We've heard it all. It's not like the worst is yet to come.
We wear three jumpers to training and then we slowly take them off. So we're kind of getting there, I guess. It's been freezing for us being Australian girls. I guess our winter isn't a winter really.”
Buchanan is equally unimpressed by the prospect of training in driving rain.
“When it rains, the whingeing definitely comes from me” she admitted.
“I think they love it because they feel tough. I am there shivering, but it's been good.”
Fortunately, almost everything else about the move has exceeded their expectations.
Both players arrived with impressive sporting backgrounds and the desire to experience rugby in a different environment.
Ah Fook has spent the past five years playing semi-professional rugby league in Australia, representing Burleigh Bears, Tweed Seagulls and Cronulla Sharks.
She has also played rugby union and sevens with Bond University and Easts Rugby Union Club.
Her international experience is equally impressive, having captained Samoa in touch rugby at the Youth Asia Pacific competition and Pacific Games, collecting three gold medals.
Buchanan brings a similarly varied background.
She spent the previous three seasons playing semi-professional rugby league with Tweed Seagulls and Burleigh Bears, alongside rugby union experience with Brothers Rugby in Brisbane.
A four-code international representative for the Philippines, she has competed in rugby league, rugby sevens, touch football and touch rugby.
In 2024, Buchanan represented the Philippines at the Touch World Cup in England and helped her country win the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy.
She also captained the Philippines Under-20 mixed touch team at the 2023 Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup.
Between them, they have accumulated an extraordinary range of experiences.
Yet neither had previously played in the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division.
That unfamiliarity was part of the attraction.
For Buchanan, the possibility of travelling overseas to play rugby had been a long-held ambition.
“So it's actually been a dream of mine to just kind of go overseas and play rugby and make friends” she explained.
“Just use the sport that I love so much to take the opportunity in both hands.”
Her introduction to Ennis came through contact with head coach Gareth O'Hanlon and the club's management.
What she heard about the development of women's rugby in Clare immediately captured her imagination.
“I got in contact with Gareth and the guys in Ennis” Buchanan said.
“They told me about what they were building over in Ennis. It's obviously so exciting, the momentum they've had the last few years going through juniors and seniors and then up into AIL.”
A documentary that was made about the club’s debut season in the competition and their rise to get here, helped convince her that this was an opportunity worth pursuing.
“They sent me the documentary and it just got me so keen to be a part of what they're building here” she explained.
“Just being here the short amount of time, it's really not just words. I've seen that it's true what they're saying, all the support and what the girls have, it's special being here.
“It's been a dream and it's so cool to have it all kind of coming true at the moment and playing and making friends and building a life here with everyone.”
For Ah Fook, the journey was quite literally a long one.
She timed her trip from leaving home in Australia until arriving in Clare.
The total was an exhausting 42 hours.
“It was a big move” she said.
“I actually timed from leaving my doorstep to arriving here, it took 42 hours. So yeah, it was a long journey over here, but it's all been worth it so far. I've been loving the opportunity, using rugby to travel the world, meet new people. It's been a really good opportunity.”
Having a familiar face alongside her made the decision considerably easier.
Ah Fook and Buchanan have spent years playing together across different teams and competitions.
Their understanding extends beyond the pitch, and their friendship has helped both players navigate the challenges of moving halfway around the world.
“It was probably like half the reason to come as well” Ah Fook admitted.
“Just having someone familiar with the same accent on this side of the world was definitely a big help. And also playing on the field as well. We've played a lot of footy together, so it's been really good knowing someone.”
Buchanan agrees that their connection has been invaluable.
“We've been on like five different teams over the last three years” she said.
“I've even said, come on, play for the Philippines with me. We definitely gel on the field a lot as well. And we live two houses apart here. So we're joined at the hip.”
That familiarity has helped them settle quickly into an Ennis squad undergoing its own period of development.
The Clare club made its All-Ireland League debut last season after progressing through the junior ranks, and its continued ambition has been reflected in the recruitment of players capable of adding experience and quality.
Ah Fook has been particularly impressed by the opportunities available to young women in the area.
“It's so cool to see the pathways that the girls have here through Ennis and the country girls” she said.
“How they can come to this small little town and be in something so big like the AIL, which has been so good. Just kind of seeing how the girls progress is a privilege to be able to come from overseas and join their team and help them build towards something big.”
The opportunity to learn from the Ennis coaching staff has been another major attraction.
Alongside O'Hanlon, the squad benefits from forwards coach Alex Simpson, team manager John Kelly and defence coach Edel McMahon, the former Ireland captain.
For players arriving with experience in several different codes, the chance to develop their understanding of Irish rugby has been especially valuable.
“The coaching staff at Ennis have been really good to us” Ah Fook said.
“Gareth, Alex, Edel, it's been amazing learning off them. John as well. Just learning off them and experiencing what rugby is like in Ireland and taking the stuff we learn here, we can always take home to Australia.
“Different perspectives, different styles of playing, which has been good to add to our game and take it to another level. Learn so much off the coaches, which has been really good.”
Buchanan admits that before moving to Ireland, she was not aware of the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division.
Her experience in Clare has already changed that.
“Personally, I didn't,” she said when asked about her familiarity with the Irish club game.
“I actually didn't really follow rugby too much back home. I feel like it's building and I think it's really exciting with the women's playing, like obviously the Canadian girls and the English, and that's been really cool to see that all come and get a bigger crowd in Australia.”
Her conversations with O'Hanlon, combined with watching matches online, introduced her to a competition she previously knew little about. And having someone like McMahon on the coaching team has made an especially strong impression.
“When I was first in touch with Gareth it was all new to me” she explained.
“The documentary and just hearing about the club and the AIL and everything, and watching matches on YouTube, it just made me really excited.
Now I'm so interested and I love hearing that Edel is the women's Irish captain from last year, and she's just an insane role model.
“It's so cool to have her coaching us and just her expertise is amazing to have, especially in a small club like Ennis. I think it's ignited a love for it and I'm definitely going to be following along.”
She has already attended an Ireland women's international against the United States, another experience that has deepened her interest in the sport.
“I've already gone to a match, the Ireland versus USA match” she said.
“So it's definitely a passion now and I'm excited to follow along”
That enthusiasm has been matched by a promising beginning on the pitch.
Ennis opened their second All-Ireland League campaign with consecutive victories, with Buchanan marking her debut by scoring the team's first try of the season.
It was an ideal introduction for a player adapting to new teammates, unfamiliar opposition and a different style of rugby.
But the early results have been particularly encouraging given the number of new players involved.
“It's been such a good start having two back-to-back wins” Ah Fook said.
“Obviously, we're still building on what we've started with. It's been really good with the girls, been a lot of fun as well, on and off the field.”
Their opening fixture away to Cooke in Belfast featured a significant number of debutants, including the two girls themselves, making the team's early cohesion all the more impressive.
“Our first game we had, I can't remember the exact number, but we had around eight to ten girls debut for the club, which was such a big thing” Ah Fook explained.
“From that, we've just gelled really well with two back-to-back wins. We still have more to level up to. I feel like we've done really well just learning how everyone plays and we have a really good team atmosphere with the girls.”
Following a bye weekend, and after that win over Cooke joined by another energy sapping game at home to MU Barnhall, Ennis are eager to return to action against Ballincollig.
For Ah Fook, the break has only increased the appetite within the squad.
“Two good wins at the start and then our bye-round, I feel all us girls are itching to get back onto the field and keep the momentum going for the next game” she said.
“It's really exciting just to keep building and keep our momentum up. We've been putting in lots, the girls doing heaps of extras, which is such a big thing and obviously contributes to the impact on the field as well. Everyone's excited, keen for a trip down south, and hopefully we come away with the win.”
Buchanan has been impressed by the standard of the Energia All-Ireland League and believes Ennis have the quality to challenge consistently.
“It's definitely been a good standard” she said.
“It's definitely not a drop, that's for sure. I think going to Ballincollig it'll be interesting. I know there's a lot of girls that come from around that area. We'll definitely be looking to have a win and just build on what we have the last two weeks.”
The early victories have created confidence, but Buchanan is conscious that maintaining those standards will require considerable effort.
“The standard is really good” she said.
“It's awesome to see that within Ennis, we are right now setting the standard, at least in the 1B. Hopefully we can keep building on that, being the team to beat, because every week within training and then within the game, we're just really building.”
The commitment of her new teammates has been particularly encouraging.
“I think the level of commitment from the girls has just been really good” Buchanan explained.
“A lot of us are putting in all the extras behind the scenes. When we show up against these teams that are big strong girls, it's definitely not easy wins, that's for sure. We're working hard.”
Saturday's Munster derby presents another opportunity to measure their progress.
“I'm looking forward to every game” Buchanan said.
“It'll be exciting having a Munster derby. Hopefully we come away with a win. I think it'll be a tough game, just like every game will be. Definitely looking to play our game and build on what we have each week, because we have a lot of talent.”
Away from rugby, both Australians have been embracing their new surroundings.
They are living and working in Ennis, including at Sweet N Green, where everyday interactions have provided plenty of opportunities to experience Irish hospitality.
The cultural adjustment has generally been straightforward.
Understanding the accents, however, has occasionally proved more challenging.
“I struggle with the accents” Ah Fook admitted.
“I don't know what it is. People have to repeat something probably five times for me to get it.”
Buchanan has found that particular challenge rather easier.
“I actually feel like Ireland's been a really easy adjustment for me other than the weather” she said.
“I think I am pretty good with accents and stuff, but maybe not her. Even in the cafe, she'll be like, what?”
The weather remains their biggest complaint.
“It's been confronting, very confronting” Buchanan laughed.
But the similarities between Irish and Australian culture have helped her feel comfortable.
“I think our cultures are very similar actually” she said.
“That's a big contributor of why I chose Ireland, because everyone I've known that's been Irish has always been so easy to get along with and just very kind, laid-back.
That was a big thing when making the decision, somewhere where it would still feel like home away from home.”
The warmth of the people they have encountered has made a lasting impression.
“Everyone's been so welcoming, so kind” Buchanan said.
“Even the random people in the cafe are just all lovely and will have a quick chat with us, and they all love Australia. It's been a pretty easy transition, to be honest, so very grateful for that.”
There have also been plenty of amusing moments learning names and getting accustomed to unfamiliar pronunciations.
“There's definitely some names where it's been like, sorry, I'm so sorry, how do you pronounce that?” Buchanan laughed.
“It's really funny. But it's cool. It's all part of it, being over here and just embracing the culture.”
What has impressed her most, however, is the effort made by her teammates to ensure she never felt isolated, having also made a trip across the globe exceeding 40 hours.
“Coming into the team was honestly so easy” she recalled.
“The first day I went in, I had got straight off the plane, hadn't even been here an hour, and was out meeting some of the girls for dinner. They would pick me up, take me to training, go to the gym together.
Went to the Ireland game versus USA. They just couldn't have been more welcoming. Everything I hoped and dreamed it would be. Everyone's just embraced us with two hands, and we haven't really felt left out in any way. The girls have gone above and beyond for us. We definitely feel at home here, which is good. Feel very comfortable and cracking jokes and everything.”
The experience has also allowed the pair to explore parts of Ireland they might otherwise never have visited.
For Ah Fook, even ordinary trips have become opportunities to discover something new.
“Love the Irish culture” she said.
“It's pretty similar to Australia as well, which has been cool. Just learning new things. Every time we go on trips to Belfast, any trips like that, we are such little tourists. Everything's so exciting for us. The girls make fun of us for it, but they love it.”
It is that combination of rugby, friendship and adventure that has made the move so rewarding.
Both players arrived with impressive sporting achievements already behind them, but their time in Ennis is providing something different.
They are learning from new coaches, adapting to unfamiliar conditions and helping a developing club establish itself in the Energia All-Ireland League.
More importantly, they have become part of a community that has embraced them from the moment they arrived.
For Ennis, the two Australians backs bring valuable experience, versatility and ambition.
For Ah Fook and Buchanan, the club has provided an opportunity to pursue their sporting dreams while building a life on the other side of the world.
And with two victories already secured, there is considerable excitement about what the coming months might bring.
Ballincollig will provide another demanding challenge this weekend, but the Clare side travel south with confidence and the belief that their best performances are still ahead.
For the two Australians, there will undoubtedly be more cold evenings, more rain-soaked training sessions, more strong winds and more occasions when an Irish accent requires a second explanation.
But those inconveniences have become a small price to pay for an experience neither would exchange.
Ah Fook spent 42 hours travelling from Australia to reach Ennis. Buchanan followed a dream that had been years in the making.
Now, thousands of miles from the Gold Coast, they have found teammates, friends and a place that already feels like home.
And as Ennis continue their journey through the Energia All-Ireland League, the Australian duo, Ah Fook on the wing and Buchanan in the centre, are determined to help write the next chapter of a club whose ambitions first convinced them to make that extraordinary journey.
By Diarmuid Kearney
Ennis Match Photos By John Lynch