Massive turnout at girls blitz

Sacred Heart Westport claimed silverware at last year’s national U15 Girl's X7s Rugby Festival.

130 girls were given the opportunity to represent their school as the Connacht Rugby Club & Community Department held the first Girls X7s Qualifying Blitz at Tuam RFC last week.

Roscommon CC, Elphin CC, Sacred Heart Westport, St. Mary's Ballina, Mercy Secondary School Tuam and Convent Claremorris were the schools involved on the day.

Twelve coaches provided guidance for the 130 players throughout the day as the students ranged from first years to fifth years.

Staff members Wendy Hickey, Lyndon Jones, Simon O'Malley, Will Thornton and Tom Newell were assisted by volunteers John Ward and Owen Lydon and the event proved a huge success.

Wendy Hickey Women’s Rugby Development Officer at Connacht Rugby, was thrilled with the fantastic numbers that attended.

“This was a great opportunity to get girls involved in schools rugby, with many girls looking to join their local club as a result. The National element for the senior school teams is a great attraction for them to get involved, with more schools looking to take part in the next blitz as well as other schools rugby programmes throughout the year.”

The next blitz takes place on October 26 with the top four senior teams from the schools qualifying for the National X7's and the top junior teams after the second blitz to play in a final.

Connacht Rugby would like to thank everyone who assisted in this blitz, especially John Ward, and Tuam RFC for providing their excellent facilities.

If your school are interested in playing rugby, please contact wendy.hickey@connachtrugby.ie.

• women