Women’s rugby is getting a lift through a national recruiting drive being organised by the IRFU under the banner of “Give it a Try”.
The sport achieved huge recognition in March when the national side led by captain Fiona Coghlan became only the third Irish side ever to win a RBS Six Nations Grand Slam.
The new initiative will involve open days and introductions being held at clubs across the country throughout August and September under an overall theme of getting fit and making friends through team as opposed to individual sport.
The IRFU has developed a microsite at www.irishrugby.ie/giveitatry which lists 56 clubs that are participating along with contact details and social media sites so that players can get to know a little more about the club before seeing whether it is for them.
“I have played rugby for over 12 years and it has given me opportunities that I never dreamt possible,” said Irish Captain Fiona Coghlan. “I am delighted that our Grand Slam success has encouraged more girls to get involved.”
“Rugby is a fantastic, inclusive sport where there is a role and position for everyone. Being a member of a club allows people to be involved in a fun, friendly environment that guarantees fitness and camaraderie. It also offers opportunities to represent your club, province and country.”
Representing your country could involve a trip to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio where Ireland are likely to qualify to play Rugby 7’s after a strong showing in the World Cup held in Moscow last month.
The campaign looks well put together and is cleverly focused on participation and social benefits as well as the pure sporting element which might be daunting.
On Sport for Business next week we will look at a new survey conducted in Britain on female participation in sport and at the pledge by one major media outlet to give greater coverage to women’s sport
Sports Tourism Seminar at Croke Park (September 19th)
Sport for Business 20/20 at Ulster Bank HQ (October 8th)
The Business of Youth Sport Seminar (November 28th)
