“WORLD-CLASS ATHLETICISM is in [Ireland's] DNA… This is a wonderful opportunity for the girls to put it on the pitch and on display for everyone.”
Ireland international Sene Naoupu predicts big things for this year’s Women’s Six Nations squad. Speaking on The42′s new rugby show The Front Row, in partnership with Guinness, Sene heralded the start of a “new era” for the Irish team.
It has been a shaky six months for women’s rugby in Ireland. The team’s failure to qualify for this year’s delayed World Cup in New Zealand led to the commissioning of an independent report – and, earlier this month – an apology from the IRFU for “the lack of confidence” in the women’s game.
Now, with a number of changes made in line with the findings of the report, including a new coaching team headed by Greg McWilliams – recently returned from coaching in the US – the stage is set for a fresh start for the Ireland squad.
“This is Ireland’s first campaign of the year,” says Sene.
What an opportunity to build on the last era and make it all worth it. The squad have been working super hard.
Sene joined comedian Seán Burke, plus The42′s own Murray Kinsella for a look back at Ireland’s Triple Crown win in the GUINNESS SIX NATIONS last weekend, and a look ahead to the women’s tournament which starts on Saturday March 26.
Along the way, the trio chatted about Sene’s current playing schedule – she may not have made the Six Nations squad, but having just signed a short-term contract with Exeter, she’s still “training the house down” – and her take on Mack Hansen’s luscious locks, a ‘do she likened to “Tom Hanks in Castaway.”
With another World Cup just three years away, Ireland’s Women’s Six Nations campaign is important in more ways than one, says Murray:
“I know that the players want to win straight away and win silverware. That’s how high-performing athletes are. But on the outside, I think the rest of us have a journey to go on… This is a longer term project, it’s a rebuild. The goal is the next World Cup and being really competitive there. So there’s all sorts of little steps along the way.”
With a home game against Wales at the RDS to start off the tournament, could Ireland walk away with victory? Murray’s bet is yes, if the stars align:
Ireland at home is a great chance to start. Winning those home games feels like something that should be a starting point for this team.
And Sene’s feeling optimistic too:
I’m genuinely pretty pumped to see our squad in action… It’s the start of something that will build on what has been worked on in the past.
The Front Row, in partnership with Guinness, will be delivering chats, laughs and rugby analysis all throughout the Women’s Six Nations too. To get the latest episodes in your feed, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. And you can listen to this week’s episode below.
Listen to The Front Row in partnership with Guinness:
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