RWC: Getting To Know Heather O’Brien

As the Women’s World Cup fast approaches we catch up with Munster captain and Ireland No. 8 Heather O’Brien as the Ireland squad prepare for their opening fixture against USA on Friday, 1st August in France.

A native of Churchtown in North Cork, Heather began her rugby career at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh while studying physiotherapy.

Following her move back to Ireland she played with Boyne RFC in Drogheda before relocating to Cork and now heads into her seventh season with Highfield RFC.

Heather has represented her province over five seasons and captained Munster to an Interprovincial title in 2012, the same year she was honoured with the 'Munster Women’s Player of the Year' award.

Capped for her country on 14 occasions this will be the first World Cup campaign for Heather, who was part of the Ireland squad that claimed the 6 Nations title in 2013.

Heather featured in the Ireland starting line-up that defeated Wales 27-7 in a World Cup warm-up friendly at Malahide RFC last Sunday ahead of the squad’s Pool B encounters against USA, Kazakhstan and current World Champions New Zealand.

Getting To Know Heather O'Brien

Date of Birth: 22/07/1984.

Club: Highfield.

Munster Caps: 16

Ireland Caps: 14.

Profession: Chartered Physiotherapist at North Cork Physio Clinic Mallow.

Favourite Food: Sushi.

Book you are currently reading or have just finished: 'Who Dares Runs' by Gerry Duffy on completing 32 marathons on 32 consecutive days around Ireland for charity.

Favourite TV programme: I like channel surfing.

Favourite Film: Gladiator.

Favourite Actor/Actress: Michael Fassbender scared me in '12 years a slave', amazing performance.

Most enjoyable holiday location: With the right weather Ireland is hard to beat.

Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: Boat, GPS, someone who can sail.

Favourite sport other than rugby: Now think I should take up sailing.

The sport you least like: Don't think I'd have the patience for fishing.

Person you would most like to meet: Ghandi.

Sportsperson you admire most: Katie Taylor.

Hobbies: Books, hiking.

Where and when did you first play rugby: QMUC in Edinburgh.

Best career advice you were given: Physio and rugby….mobility is key.

Best advice you would give yourself: Its never as bad as you think.

What you like most/least about being a rugby player: Winning/Losing.

Other sports that you played: When I was younger it was mainly equestrian.

Best rugby memory: Grand slam was special but it’s nice to win stuff with your club too…….All Ireland Cup win with Highfield in 2013.

Rugby team you admire most: The Munster team that went to Toulouse and won against all the odds.

Sporting event you would most like to attend: A World Cup Final with Ireland.

If you weren't a rugby player what would you be: I'd still be a physio!

How would you like to pass away the time on tour in between training: Reading/movies

Three people you would invite to dinner and why: Parents and sister, I've raided their fridge a few too many times I need to return the favour!

Ireland Women's Rugby World Cup Fixtures: – Pool Games

Fri, 1st August USA v Ireland FFR Headquarters – Pitch 2
Tue, 5th August New Zealand v Ireland FFR Headquarters – Pitch 1
Sat 9th August Ireland v Kazakhstan FFR Headquarters – Pitch 2

Playoffs:
Wed, 13th August
Sun, 17th August

TG4 have confirmed they are to broadcast Ireland's pool games live as well as both semi-finals and finals. Ireland's game against New Zealand will be televised live on Sky Sports.

Tickets for the games can be purchased from http://www.ticketmaster.fr/en/liste/idlist/45/idtier/1493223 http://www.ticketmaster.fr/en/liste/idlist/45/idtier/1493223

To tweet your message of support for the Ireland Women you can use the hashtag #shouldertoshoulder ahead of their Pool B matches where they face USA, Kazakstan and defending champions New Zealand.

Follow all Women's Rugby World Cup updates on #WRWC2014

Heather O'Brien in 6 Nations action