Give It a Go
Women's rugby for complete beginners, every Wednesday at 8pm under lights at Ballinagappa Road. Between 12 and 15 of us are down every week now, and you can join on any Wednesday.
How it's going
We started Give It a Go on Wednesday 21 October. Sixteen women came on the first night, and twelve of them had never played. Since then we've had between 12 and 15 down every Wednesday, a mix of brand new players and the senior women's squad training with them.
It was meant to run for six weeks. It's going so well that we're keeping it going every Wednesday, so there's no deadline and no "right" week to start.
Your first night
- Just turn upCome to Ballinagappa Road a few minutes before 8pm in training gear. If you'd like us to look out for you, send us a message first, but you don't have to.
- Say hello to JenJen runs the session and Niall helps. They'll know you're new and pair you with someone from the squad.
- Learn the basicsWarm up together, then passing, catching and running with the ball. Tackle technique is taught slowly on tackle bags and crash mats, and there's no contact for your first two weeks.
Who's coaching
Jen played for Clane before going on to play for Ireland from 2003 to 2005, winning 13 caps. She didn't pick up a rugby ball until she was 23, so she knows exactly what it's like to start from nothing.
Niall helps with the sessions.
Your questions
These are the things women have actually asked us before coming down.
I've never played or even watched rugby. Is it really for me?
Yes. That's exactly who it's for. Most of the women who come on a Wednesday had never played before. Jen starts from the very beginning and nobody expects you to know the rules.
I'm not fit. Will I keep up?
You will. It's for any fitness, and everyone works at their own pace. Lots of women come to get fitter, not because they already are. Take a break whenever you need one.
Will I be tackled on my first night?
No. There's no contact for your first two weeks. When you start tackling, it's taught step by step on tackle bags and crash mats before you go near another player, and only when you're ready.
What do I wear and bring?
Training gear: runners or boots, shorts or leggings, and a water bottle. Wear layers, because it gets cold on a Wednesday night in winter, and bring something warm for after.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. Give It a Go is free to try. If you decide you'd like to keep playing, we'll talk you through joining the club then, with no pressure.
Am I insured?
Yes. You're covered to give it a go from your first night, before you register with the IRFU.
Am I too old to start?
It's for women 18 and over, with no upper limit. Jen started at 23, and one of our current squad started in her 30s.
I'm nervous about coming on my own.
That's completely normal. Bring a friend if you like, plenty of people do. Or send us a message before you come and we'll make sure someone meets you and looks after you on the night.
Which Wednesday should I start on?
Any of them. It runs every Wednesday at 8pm with no end date, and new people join most weeks. If a Wednesday is ever off, over Christmas for example, we'll post it on Instagram first.
Do I have to play matches?
No. Plenty of women come just to train. If you'd like to play, our senior women play in the Women's Leinster League Division 6 and the North Midlands Women's Shield, and Jen will tell you when you're ready.
I'm under 18. Can I come?
Give It a Go is for women 18 and over, but we have girls' teams too. Have a look under Teams in the menu, or use the contact form and we'll point you to the right coach.
See you on Wednesday
8pm, Ballinagappa Road, Clane. Just turn up, or message us first and we'll look out for you ❤️🖤