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Rugby has always been a place and a game for all, regardless of age, ability, gender, or background. The IRFU's Equity, Diversity & Inclusivity Action Plan includes that "the plan is inspiring more people to play, support and volunteer in rugby; connecting people and communities through rugby and ensuring thriving environments for staff, players and volunteers through rugby".
Two senior Women's club players who have enjoyed a positive and welcoming experience through rugby are Naomi and Nikita Ward who come from a Traveller family in Tuam. They both began their rugby experience as teenagers with Tuam/Oughterard RFC a few years ago, and they haven't looked back since.
Their mother, Bridie, says about the girls' rugby start that, "Nikita started rugby from school were she took to it instantly and joined club. From there Naomi started from club to be more outgoing and sociable and to show a different way of life, that was our goal for both of them".
They have both found joy in playing rugby, specifically playing rugby with their team in Tuam. On the side of the muddy pitch in Dangan after winning the Bank of Ireland Women's Senior League trophy, Naomi said "I love the sport, like I couldn't really explain it. I love that you're mixing with the girls and you have a great friendship but I love the kind of aggressiveness of the game and stuff".
Bridie echoed the girls' sentiments about what the team has meant to the whole family, "as a family to watch the girls playing rugby we are so proud of the girls and their success. We have watched them face many trials and obstacles to get to where they are today".
Watching them play, it's obvious what the sport means to them and they have slotted into the team seemlessly with Naomi starting in the front row at number 3 in their League Final.
When asked what inclusivity and visibility in the sport has meant to them personally while playing for Tuam/Oughterard and then Tuam RFC, Naomi said, "It's very big for me, like because we don't really play sports or anything like that. But once we started playing, I realised what the game meant and how much it meant to me and the girls welcomed us. We had to work for our spots but I'd expect it no other way".
Nikita added, "It was not easy at first joining because you didn't really want to do it but once you started it was great - they welcomed you straight away".
Behind the camera, Bridie and some of Naomi and Nikita's siblings filmed them being interviewed and teased them after like any good siblings would. Once done filming, Bridie walked over to the pitch exit with the kids remarking at how great of a final match it was and how impressively physical it was. Her pride in the girls and the team was infectious and she said she hoped they continued to play for many years to come.
"It means a lot for them, especially in our culture that we keep playing and we keep involving with the sport and trying to go further and expand our opportunities with the sport"
Naomi remarked that her parents, "support us throughout training - I'm sure they're happy driving us here, there and everywhere!"
It takes a village and Bridie gave a special mention to the coaches involved in Naomi and Nikita's rugby journey over the years, "we would like to give a special thanks to their Coaches Owen Lydon, Norman Tierney and one of their former trainers Ken O'Grady who helped in every way possible - their support and the welcome they gave the girls into playing rugby".
When you're on a rugby pitch, it doesn't matter your background and to see and hear that in action directly from players and their families makes the sport what it is.
Bridie summed it up perfectly: "We are very proud of both girls on how far they have progressed in rugby and once they succeed we succeed".
