Ireland’s Women’s rugby team is gearing up for a big weekend, ready to take on Italy in their second game of the Six Nations tournament.
It’ll be a historical match as well, as it’s being played in Galway at the newly-renovated Sportsground, and the squad knows how special the day will be.
‘We are targeting home wins, and I think playing in Galway now is going to be class as well in the new stadium. It’s phenomenal,’ said player Fiona Tuite.
Fiona Tuite during the Ireland v England Six Nations match at Twickenham. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
‘Our real focus this week is starting fast. We gave England some really easy ins last week, knock-ons, lineout errors, little things that are totally controllable by us, and we’re cutting them out this week.
‘We just focus on us. It’s been a really tough training week. Bodies start to get tired obviously, as this competition goes on, and [we’re] really excited now for Italy.’
It can be seen as fortunate that Ireland got the England game out of the way to start their Six Nations campaign last weekend.
Erin King, Katie Whelan, Brittany Hogan, Fiona Tuite and Anna McGann during the Women’s Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland in Twickenham. Pic: Sportsfile
‘England is always going to be a tough game,’ Fiona said about the defeat. ‘Every game in the Six Nations is tough, and every year the games get tougher and tougher.
‘People are getting faster, fitter, stronger, the games are getting harder, but we’re also getting better. I think no matter when you take on world champions, it’s going to be a tough game.’
This campaign, a familiar face has been helping the team prepare as Alan O’Connor, the former Ulster lock, has taken up a role as forwards coach.
‘He’s been brilliant. Al is class,’ Fiona said. ‘Obviously, I knew him through Ulster already, but he’s a phenomenal player. He’s come in with a really, really good attitude and has fit in seamlessly. He just says, “go at everything as hard as you can”.
Lineout Coach Alan O’Connor. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady
‘It’s exactly how he played, that grit and grind is a key part of his game, but he’s brought a really nice element to the lineout where he really just gets it, and I don’t think you’d have it if you hadn’t played in the modern game, if that makes sense.’
Fiona herself has had a huge year, breaking out during the World Cup, starting at blindside flanker in three of Ireland’s games, including the quarterfinal defeat by France. She’s now seen as one of the leaders in the group, assuming a bigger role in the lineout.
She is relishing her new responsibilities and getting to work with the new crop of players. ‘I feel like I’ve grown as a player and as a person, and after the World Cup, it’s just been really important to me to help develop the whole team.
Ireland’s Robyn O’Connor playing Sevens in Hong Kong. Pic: INPHO/Joe Hamby
‘We are into a new cycle here, so if I can help bring the likes of Aoibheann McGrath, Jav (Jemima Adams Verling), Ailish Quinn, all of them through the whole squad.
‘The more of us that can get to that top, top level, the more competitive it makes within the squad.’
Tomorrow will see another debutant in Robyn O’Connor start on the wing; meanwhile, Nancy McGillivray, after her stellar cameo off the bench in Twickenham, will get her first Six Nations start at inside centre.
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