There’s much at stake for Ireland’s Women in this year’s Six Nations and they’ll need all the support they can get, writes Sarah Lennon
A visit to the RBS 6 Nations website will let you into an oft-forgotten secret, there is more than one 6 Nations tournament. In fact there are 3 tournaments this season, as well as the senior men and the under 20-s, the senior women will contest for Europe’s biggest rugby prize.
I say that it’s oft-forgotten because when RTE et al secure the television rights for the 6 Nations, they also secure the rights to the women’s games. They don’t show them though, and whereas they will often show the U20-s on the box or online you won’t find the women’s game on the TV.
Which is a pity as it happens, because anyone who ventures out to Ashbourne RFC will attest that the quality of rugby on display is often better and more entertaining than the fare served up by the men, and significantly better value for money into the bargain.
Having said all of that, last year was a watershed for the women’s game in terms of publicity. The French farce wasn’t limited to the Stade de France debacle and there was ample newspaper coverage of the travel arrangements that the women endured in fulfilling their fixture.
On a more positive note, Sky Sports broadcast a 6 Nations match for the first time in showing England V France (on the red button, but still..) and the RFU, followed by the IRFU, streamed live coverage of three more games. Genuine progress then, was made in the visibility of and access to the sport and hopefully that will be sustained in this season’s tournament.
The 6 Nations tournament also poses another significance for the women; their positioning in the table over last season and this, determines whether a team automatically qualifies for the Rugby World Cup in 2014 or is required to play qualifiers. By virtue of a third place finish last season, Ireland should qualify automatically provided they maintain that position this season.
So, what of this year’s tournament? Well, the fixtures mirror the men’s tournament with Ireland hosting England and France and travelling to Port Talbot in Wales, Lasswade in Scotland and Parabagiao in Italy. Hardly household names, but as the match in Pau versus France last season proved, these venues can often attract bumper crowds. Ireland’s home games will both be played the day before the men’s games, so as to attract hopefully a decent crowd of home and away supporters.
England will go into the tournament as favourites and have emerged as the best women’s team in the world recently with a 3-0 series win over New Zealand women. Last season, Ireland took on the English women in Esher for a Triple Crown, and after a close first half tied at 6-6, the English women’s experience and fitness told and they secured a comfortable win by 23-6. This secured a Grand Slam for England and a seventh consecutive title.
Ireland warmed up for this season’s tournament by taking on Spain in Ashbourne over the weekend and managed to turn in a comprehensive 39-7 victory in difficult, wintery conditions. The squad itself is a very strong one with the bulk of last season’s squad returning and captained by Fiona Coghlan, augmented with a number of Exiles who have been identified and boosted by a return to action after injury of outhalf Nora Stapleton.
It is very difficult to see Ireland, or anyone for that matter, overcoming England this season; their autumn tests against the All Blacks confirming their position as the best in the world currently, but if Ireland can emulate the first half in Esher they will give themselves a chance. In truth, you suspect that Ireland are playing for 2nd place. Key to that will be securing a home win against France who are traditionally the bridesmaids in this tournament. Last season, even after that 17 hour travelling fiasco, Ireland only lost by a single point, 8-7. The memory of that will burn bright for the Irish women who will know that they can confidently predict an equally close match and with home comforts to enjoy, they must be marginal favourites to win. Beating France would represent a significant achievement for this Irish team, as would finishing 2nd in the league table and both of these goals are real, achievable targets for this talented squad when they begin their 6 Nation’s campaign in Wales on Sunday week.
This weekend will see a big day of rugby at Athy RFC, as the women’s Leinster finals take place. There are 4 league titles to be decided in this all-day rugby event with the Division 1 title to be decided between Edenderry and Rathdrum,
The Division 2 title between Carlow and Old Belvedere J1, the Division 3 title between Railway Union and Clondalkin and the Division 4 title between Newbridge and Athy. A great day of rugby is promised, so try to get along and the best of luck to all the teams battling it out for the league titles.
Ireland’s 2013 6 Nations Fixtures
Sunday 03/02/13 - Wales V Ireland, Aberavon RFC, Port Talbot, 1:30pm
Saturday 09/02/13 – Ireland V England, Ashbourne RFC, 2pm
Saturday 23/02/13 – Scotland V Ireland, Lasswade, 2pm
Friday 08/03/13 – Ireland V France, Ashbourne RFC, 7:30pm
Sunday 17/03/13 – Italy V Ireland, Parabiago, Milan, 1:30pm
Sarah Lennon (@sarahlennon08) is passionate about all things rugby. A Leinster Season Ticket holder since the Donnybrook days, a supporter of the Irish teams home and abroad and can regularly be seen cheering on Junior Rugby at Stillorgan RFC (a labour of love). As well as spectating, she dabbles in playing a bit and is a member of Old Belvedere RFC and fully paid up member of the front row union.
