Womens' rugby Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

feargale · 04-03-2014 8:54pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Connacht Girls Underage cup finals on this weekend in Sportsground. Should be interesting. I'll be tj for one of the games. will be interesting to see the standard

Tj? Too jarred?

garhuli · 13-03-2014 12:07am

i've read a few of the comments here and there's a few things that struck me over the last while with regard to womens rugby

at the game on saturday the majority of the crowd left.

Guys left and tbh I understand why... a lot of them play at a higher level at their local clubs than the game that would have been on in front of them. These guys came to watch the absolute highest level that they could ever have hoped to reach in rugby themselves if they were good enough, to watch their heros. the same cannot be said for the womens, the only thing that would of kept them there is watching...a personal reason (friend, family member playing), national pride in everything irish (the reason i stayed) or general interest/curiosity in a game they never really seen before.

its sad but its true, they probably left because they themselves could, could have or could in the future easily surpass the level of the womens rugby...and so have no interest in it.

now the bit that annoys me most is that in front of me were 4 ladies all in irish shirts. the irish ladies team should be their heros, that is the highest level they could ever reach themselves if they played....however as soon as the mens was over they were up and gone, and it wasn't just those 4, it was thousands of women who left.

i'm not saying women should support women only and men should support men only.....i think once someone has a green jersey everyone should get behind them..
but the fact is....we all want to watch the absolute best/highest level...which will always be the senor mens in every sport.
however i always find that we also want to watch the top level of where we could have got to had we been good enough...which for women..is the senior ladies team, yet thousands of women left straight after the game.

i hope the ladies team can push on and keep up their brilliant work.

sullivlo · 13-03-2014 10:41am

Comparing men playing rugby with women playing rugby is like comparing oranges and apples.

In the womens game it is about the skill more than the power, and these girls are at the peak. I went to the match, these girls are my heroes. I've played with a few of them, against a lot of them, and socialised with them over the years.

I think that the womens game is every bit as interesting as the mens. Perhaps more interesting because I play. I do understand your point, but I equally think that the tide is beginning to turn towards a more general interest in the women.

Just a semi-interesting aside - Michael D Higgins stayed and watched the womens match. Not because he had to - because he wanted to apparently. I was sitting near him and he was engrossed in the game.

I just wish people would give it a chance.

Losty Dublin · 13-03-2014 10:48am

sullivlo wrote: »

In the womens game it is about the skill more than the power, and these girls are at the peak.

+1. This is one of the main reasons why I love watching the woman's game; skill and playing as well as they can takes precedence; it's the sport at it's most pure level.

sullivlo wrote: »

ust a semi-interesting aside - Michael D Higgins stayed and watched the womens match. Not because he had to - because he wanted to apparently. I was sitting near him and he was engrossed in the game.

Michael D is so committed to sports at a club and participation level; I'd expect nothing less off of him.

sullivlo · 13-03-2014 10:49am

He's such a lovely man. We were chatting to him for a few minutes and he was very interested to hear that we play.

irishbucsfan · 13-03-2014 10:56am

I know some of the girls so I think that's where my own interest stems from as well. Saying that, the number of people who play at a higher level than those girls in stadium at the weekend would be very small. They are held to an extremely high standard. I love watching them, Claire Molloy's try is really all you need to see the quality of what they can produce.

sullivlo · 13-03-2014 11:43am

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I know some of the girls so I think that's where my own interest stems from as well. Saying that, the number of people who play at a higher level than those girls in stadium at the weekend would be very small. They are held to an extremely high standard. I love watching them, Claire Molloy's try is really all you need to see the quality of what they can produce.

But even looking at the difference a year (& a pitch!!!) makes. Last year we stuttered to a 3 point win. This year we wiped the floor with them. Irish rugby as a whole is in a great place.

garhuli · 13-03-2014 11:52am

I agree they are totally different games, and the girls game relies more on skill than power.... But the skill level in comparison to the men's is still very low, and this is only my opinion but I think guys generally won't stay an watch a game which is at a similar or lower level that they themselves play, played or will play, what I mean is every single guy on my club team would make that ladies team, so he's thinking.... Why'd I watch that..it's horrible to say but it's true.

I personally will always watch the ladies teams but I know my friends/club mates won't as it doesn't entertain them... And they have watched a few games!

I return to my previous point and have to ask why is it women don't watch womens sport, like I said at the game the other day thousands of women left.... Did they not want to watch the cream I the crop in womens rugby in this country the absolute pinnacle of where they could be themselves!!! It baffles me.

Again it support all irish teams and I always stay if there is a ladies game... But this is what I see as the harsh reality... If I'm wrong then why is it people left the aviva after the men's on Saturday!

Again girls keep up the work, build a support base and once that and interest grows.... The sport and game will grow.

sullivlo · 13-03-2014 11:59am

garhuli wrote: »

I agree they are totally different games, and the girls game relies more on skill than power.... But the skill level in comparison to the men's is still very low, and this is only my opinion but I think guys generally won't stay an watch a game which is at a similar or lower level that they themselves play, played or will play, what I mean is every single guy on my club team would make that ladies team, so he's thinking.... Why'd I watch that..it's horrible to say but it's true.

I personally will always watch the ladies teams but I know my friends/club mates won't as it doesn't entertain them... And they have watched a few games!

I return to my previous point and have to ask why is it women don't watch womens sport, like I said at the game the other day thousands of women left.... Did they not want to watch the cream I the crop in womens rugby in this country the absolute pinnacle of where they could be themselves!!! It baffles me.

Again it support all irish teams and I always stay if there is a ladies game... But this is what I see as the harsh reality... If I'm wrong then why is it people left the aviva after the men's on Saturday!

Again girls keep up the work, build a support base and once that and interest grows.... The sport and game will grow.

I don't like sweeping statements etc but I would put money on the fact that 90% of the women who were at the mens match on Saturday went because they like the look of Rob Kearneys bum. They go for the social aspect of the game; they likely don't know that the AIL exists, or that women play rugby. Their interest in the sport is based on following players and / or going because it's the "in" thing to do. They are, IMO, as bad as the corporate planks who go "with the goys".

But in saying that, they have as much a right to be there as anyone.

Point I'm trying to make is that just because they're female and at a match, doesn't mean they are avid supporters.

RuckingSwimmer · 13-03-2014 12:01pm

garhuli wrote: »

I agree they are totally different games, and the girls game relies more on skill than power.... But the skill level in comparison to the men's is still very low, and this is only my opinion but I think guys generally won't stay an watch a game which is at a similar or lower level that they themselves play, played or will play, what I mean is every single guy on my club team would make that ladies team, so he's thinking.... Why'd I watch that..it's horrible to say but it's true.

I personally will always watch the ladies teams but I know my friends/club mates won't as it doesn't entertain them... And they have watched a few games!

I return to my previous point and have to ask why is it women don't watch womens sport, like I said at the game the other day thousands of women left.... Did they not want to watch the cream I the crop in womens rugby in this country the absolute pinnacle of where they could be themselves!!! It baffles me.

Again it support all irish teams and I always stay if there is a ladies game... But this is what I see as the harsh reality... If I'm wrong then why is it people left the aviva after the men's on Saturday!

Again girls keep up the work, build a support base and once that and interest grows.... The sport and game will grow.

Did the women you saw leave actually leave or head down to lower levels? I myself was in the upper tier for the men's game so it would have looked like I was leaving too when I was actually just heading to the lower tier to watch the game.

I agreed with what was said about something being published in the match programme - everyone wanted them as it was BOD's last game - plenty of people would have seen it. I also think there could have been a few more announcements about it during the men's game (well during half time anyway, and while they were setting up BOD's interview, etc.)

sullivlo · 13-03-2014 12:44pm

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/return-to-pau-looks-to-be-on-the-right-track-1.1722514?page=1

Cantwell on the previous trip to Pau and last weeks match. She is the womens team equivalent of BOD and will also bow out this season as record cap holder.

Being a part of last weekend’s farewell to Brian O’Driscoll, the greatest rugby player Ireland has ever known, was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives.

The game also marks a swan song to the Six Nations for some of us, a new experience for others.
We can win in France. And if we do, regardless of final standings, it will be a campaign we can all take pride in.
But either way, this is a squad of ladies I will always be proud to be associated with.

irishbucsfan · 13-03-2014 12:52pm

The last trip was an absolute disaster. Created a bit of a siege mentality in the squad. I'd be very surprised if a bit more competence wasn't displayed this time around.

sullivlo · 13-03-2014 2:19pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

The last trip was an absolute disaster. Created a bit of a siege mentality in the squad. I'd be very surprised if a bit more competence wasn't displayed this time around.

Yeah, they flew with the U20's today.

Riskymove · 13-03-2014 3:31pm

sullivlo wrote: »

I just wish people would give it a chance.

The fact is that a few thousand people staying to watch it or people watching it on tv is giving it a chance.

The problem is trying to compare it to the men's international team; there is simply too much of a gap in popularity and following to close.

The same applies to camogie and women's gaelic football despite the level of skill on show

However, the same lack of interest applies to U20 and Club level men's teams too despite it being the same game!

I don't like sweeping statements etc but I would put money on the fact that 90% of the women who were at the mens match on Saturday went because they like the look of Rob Kearneys bum. They go for the social aspect of the game; they likely don't know that the AIL exists, or that women play rugby. Their interest in the sport is based on following players and / or going because it's the "in" thing to do. They are, IMO, as bad as the corporate planks who go "with the goys".

the thing is that a large majority of men at the game likewise go for a social/armchair interest. Many never play or be part of a rugby club

sullivlo · 13-03-2014 3:49pm

Yeah, I know that people are giving it a chance, and the support base is growing.

Match is on RTE2 tomorrow night - 5.45 kick-off. It'll be interesting to see viewer numbers! I'm excited. And happy it doesn't clash with any of the other matches so I can watch everything.

Losty Dublin · 13-03-2014 4:07pm

Just to let you all know, the women's game is live on RTE 2 TV and 2FM radio tomorrow. Kick off is at 5:45PM

Losty Dublin · 15-03-2014 3:10pm

It was a battling performance yesterday evening in France. What was initially looking like a French squash ended up with a late surge from Ireland that saw two mauled tries which forced the French on the back foot and wanting the final whistle. It's auguring well for the World Cup this summer.

feargale · 17-03-2014 6:22pm

sullivlo wrote: »

I do wonder what % of that 291k just left the TV on? It's hard to tell.

You're a barrister living in Foxrock - right? Elsewhere there's a recession.

sullivlo · 17-03-2014 6:47pm

feargale wrote: »

You're a barrister living in Foxrock - right? Elsewhere there's a recession.

What?

Losty Dublin · 29-03-2014 11:39am

The finals of the Cusack and Flood plate and cups are on today in Barnhall from 12PM. A big day of football it shall be

kksaints · 01-04-2014 7:52pm

Any viewing figures released for the French match that was live?

The Lost Sheep · 02-04-2014 7:25pm

Galwegians won All Ireland Cup last weekend beating Highfield 26-18. They play St Marys in a Division 1 playoff this Saturday in Galway. should be good game and as I think Im a TJ at this will be interesting to see the standard

Tullamore won the Connacht Invitational Cup last weekend when they defeated Castlebar in the Sportsground while Canterbury Warriors - the amalgamation of Carrick-on-Shannon RFC and Longford RFC - beat Tuam 45-0 in the Connacht Invitational Plate final

sullivlo · 02-04-2014 8:07pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Galwegians won All Ireland Cup last weekend beating Highfield 26-18. They play St Marys in a Division 1 playoff this Saturday in Galway. should be good game and as I think Im a TJ at this will be interesting to see the standard

Tullamore won the Connacht Invitational Cup last weekend when they defeated Castlebar in the Sportsground while Canterbury Warriors - the amalgamation of Carrick-on-Shannon RFC and Longford RFC - beat Tuam 45-0 in the Connacht Invitational Plate final

Chuffed for Galweigans. They deserve the cup. And delighted it wasn't Highfield

the other teams deserve a chance!! Where is the Div1 playoff on?

The Lost Sheep · 02-04-2014 8:15pm

sullivlo wrote: »

Chuffed for Galweigans. They deserve the cup. And delighted it wasn't Highfield the other teams deserve a chance!! Where is the Div1 playoff on?

In Crowley Park. Galwegians at home

calfmuscle · 02-04-2014 9:39pm

The division 1 ail playoffs for 1, 2, 3 and 4 are on the 12th in Naas!

Stheno · 04-04-2014 10:14pm

Irish female referee Helen O'Reilly has been appointed to the panel of referees for the Womens World Cup

http://www.arlb.ie/?p=2445

Thud · 19-05-2014 2:30pm

Womens sevens team finished a pretty miserable series at the weekend:

http://wsws.irb.com/standings.html

finished 13th of 17 teams, the four teams below them didn't play in all the competitions, 4 of the teams above them got more points even though they didn't play in all the comps either.
They don't qualify for the series next year. Would imagine they will need to bring back in some of the 15's players to have a chance of making Rio

The Lost Sheep · 03-07-2014 1:17pm

Squad for the world cup has been named while its also been announced Head Coach Philip Doyle to step down at the end of the world cup.
http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/32129.php
The squad will play Wales in Malahide Sunday fortnight at 3pm in a final warm up before the competition in Paris.

Squad
Backs (13)
Ashleigh Baxter (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemians/Munster), Lynne Cantwell (Richmond/Exile), Hannah Casey (Saracens/Exiles), Grace Davitt (Cooke/Ulster), Paula Fitzpatrick (St. Mary's College/Leinster), Niamh Kavanagh (UL Bohemians/Munster), Alison Miller (Portlaoise/Connacht), Larissa Muldoon (Bristol/Ulster), Jenny Murphy (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Tania Rosser (Blackrock/Leinster), Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Jackie Shiels (Richmond/Exile)
Forwards (13)
Gillian Bourke (UL Bohemians/Munster),Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemians/Leinster) (capt), Kerrie-Ann Craddock (Saracens/Exiles), Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Orla Fitzsimons (St. Mary's College/Leinster), Siobhan Fleming (Tralee/Munster), Laura Guest (Highfield/Munster), Fiona Hayes (UL Bohemians/Munster), Sharon Lynch (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Claire Molloy (Bristol/Connacht), Heather O'Brien (Highfield/Munster), Marie Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere/Leinster)

World Cup Fixtures
Friday, August 1
Ireland v USA, Marcoussis pitch 2, 4pm Irish time

Tuesday, August 5
New Zealand v Ireland, Marcoussis pitch 1, 5pm Irish time

Saturday, August 9
Ireland v Kazakhstan, Marcoussis pitch 2, 12pm Irish time

The Lost Sheep · 20-07-2014 5:48pm

Ireland beat Wales 27-7 in world cup warm up today

justsomebloke · 20-07-2014 9:45pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Ireland beat Wales 27-7 in world cup warm up today

I'd do a write up but I pretty much ended up running after a toddler for 90 minutes so only saw a few tries.

They were unlucky to be behind at the break 3-7. However what looked like a botched kick to touch at the half way line went to hand and a great run saw run over to take the lead and put a further 3 tries on the board

Womens' rugby Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

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