Connacht Rugby selects women’s Under 18 and senior management teams
With a growth in the number of girls playing rugby in the province, Connacht Rugby has announced its women’s Under 18 and senior coaches.
Ross Mannion has been appointed head coach of the senior women’s team, sponsored by Genesys, accompanied by Lyndon Jones as backs coach.
Ross, who was head coach of the AIL 2C winning Sligo team, has worked with Connacht Rugby as a Club & Community rugby officer for 10 years and in his current position as rugby participation officer for two years.
“I’m delighted with the opportunity to take on this position,” said Ross. “I've worked with some of the current players many years ago when some of them were starting out on their pathway and have got to know some more through various programs theyve delivered on these past two years.
“The main things that have stood out for me, from these interactions, are their commitment to rugby, be that for club, province or country, and the appetite to learn and better themselves as players – two fantastic characteristics to have in life, never mind in a sporting context. So that really intrigued me as to what the potential is with the current Under 18, emerging talent and senior squads.
“I hope myself along with all the coaches involved can help all these players reach their potential and fulfil their rugby ambitions or goals.”
Fraser Gow returns as head coach of the Connacht Rugby Under 18 women’s team, sponsored by GMIT, alongside Luke O’Donnell as backs coach.
Fraser expressed his excitement of returning to training and getting back to normal: “First and foremost we are really excited about a return to training, having the ability to get back out on a pitch and un-pause the plans we have in place.
“It’s fantastic to see examples of players that have been developed by our clubs progress through the Connacht pathways and now playing at the highest level. That is something we should all be extremely proud of, but equally it motivates us to aid the development of the next crop of talented players out there.”
As Connacht Rugby continue their partnership with Galway-based sports technology services company Clubforce, their emerging talent programme helps bridge the gap between underage and senior level women’s rugby in Connacht.
Clubforce emerging talent head coach Emer O’Dowd is joined by Mary Healy, who has been appointed backs, skills and attack coach.
Despite restrictions, Connacht Rugby is aiming for this year’s programme to be the most comprehensive yet, Mary explained.
“Every year we’ve always tried to improve and push what we can do in the summer programme. Despite restrictions, we aim for this to be the most comprehensive yet.
“I’m delighted to be involved with the Clubforce emerging talent squad. I’m looking forward to helping bridge that gap between underage and senior, keeping girls in the game, growing and developing their skills and knowledge so they can take that step up to senior level.
“My goal and Clubforce’s goal ultimately is to grow participation. This partnership gives us the opportunity to bridge that gap, keep girls in the game and grow and develop them as rugby players.”
Speaking on the appointed coaching team this year, Joe Gorham, head of domestic rugby at Connacht Rugby, commented: “We're absolutely delighted with the appointment of Ross Mannion as head coach of the Connacht women’s team. Ross, a valued member of the Club & Community team, has an impressive coaching CV built up in the past few seasons and I look forward to seeing him and his coaching team bringing the senior squad to another level.
“I am also delighted on the re-appointment of Fraser Gow and his coaching team to the Connacht Under 18 girls squad. Under his leadership we have made tremendous progress at this level and it is refreshing to see so many young talented girls coming through to the Connacht side from the four corners of the five counties!”
Mr. Gorham added that it's fabulous to see the Clubforce emerging talent programme ready to get up and running again under the safe hands of Emer O’Dowd and Mary Healy. “This sector is vital to the player pathway programme for the women’s game and huge thanks must go to our valued partner clubs for supporting the talent programme.”
He also paid special thanks to volunteer managers of the three squads, Natalie Fox and Mark (Barney) Moran. “Without their help and assistance, and indeed their passion for Connacht Rugby in general, we would not have made the huge strides that we have made in the past few seasons. Volunteers are the backbone of everything we do in Club & Community. Thank you to every club and school volunteer – we really appreciate all you do for us.”