Making The Jump – Hannah O’Connor

Despite the challenges of 2020, Hannah O’Connor is another player who can reflect on a positive 12 months on the rugby pitch.

The number 8’s consistency with Blackrock College saw her named Energia Women’s All-Ireland League Player of the Year for 2019/20.

Her performances in the blue of Leinster also earned her a coveted prize – she made her Ireland debut against Wales in November 2019 and earned a first appearance in the Women’s Six Nations in October 2020.

It had been a superb campaign for a Leinster side who successfully defended their Women’s Interprovincial Championship title. Hannah was one of a quartet of Leinster players who went on to make the jump and debut for Ireland alongside Judy Bobbett, Victoria Dabanovich O’Mahony and Niamh Ni Dhroma.

Munster pair Claire Keohane and Dorothy Wall also got their first chance to feature in 2020.

Irish Rugby TV met Hannah at the IRFU High Performance Centre to chat about her ascent to the international stage and the performances and decisions that helped her along the way.

You can watch the video in full below: