Connacht Rugby Unveil Their Vision For Women’s Rugby In The West Of Ireland

Connacht Rugby have launched their strategy for the
development of the women’s game in the province.

“Women of the West” sets out ambitious targets to
increase participation rates right throughout the province and develop the
pathway for players to transfer from underage grades to senior adult rugby.

The strategy is fully aligned with the IRFU Women in
Rugby Action Plan and is based on the core principle of integration with all
departments of Connacht Rugby.

Women’s rugby in the province has seen some
significant developments over the past twelve months both on and off the field.
The emergence of Beibhinn Parsons to become the youngest ever player capped for
Ireland at the age of 16 has demonstrated the good work being invested in the
women’s game by clubs like Ballinasloe RFC.

Off the field there has been another first as Anne
Heneghan now holds the position of Senior Vice President of the Connacht Branch
of the IRFU. In the 2020/21 season Ms Heneghan will be the first woman in any
province to be elected President of their home Branch. Furthermore, she has
recently been accepted as a Judicial Officer with World Rugby.

Connacht Rugby also recently announced the
appointment of a second Women’s Development Officer, with Emer O’Dowd taking up
the role to work in conjunction with current WDO Wendy Hickey. O’Dowd will
oversee the development of woman’s rugby in North Connacht with Hickey working
with clubs and schools in the south of the province.

Commenting on the launch of the strategy, Head of Club and Community at Connacht Rugby, Joe Gorham said: “We are delighted to be publishing our four year strategy, Women of the West. We have engaged with our clubs and schools in the province, along with coaches and people working on the ground to develop the game. That has helped to develop a comprehensive and ambitious plan to grow the game in every area. Our strategy is based on the principle of integration not segregation. We want people from the women’s game to add value not just in the women’s game but in all areas of Connacht Rugby. We already have some incredible players and coaches involved in the game and this strategy is about developing a clear pathway for the young girls of tomorrow to get involved and more importantly to stay involved in playing, coaching or administration”.

The strategy is available to download HERE