Women’s Community Rugby Officer Insight

We catch up with Amanda Greensmith, Munster Women’s Community Rugby Officer, who gives us an insight into the development of Women’s Rugby in Munster.

Former Munster and Ireland full-back, Amanda Greensmith has been employed with Munster Rugby since 2010 and is responsible for the player and coaching pathway in Women’s Rugby throughout the six provinces. Amanda began her rugby career with Charleville RFC and is currently playing senior rugby with Limerick club Shannon. Amanda was involved with the Munster Women’s squad from 2000 to 2010, an era which saw the women’s side claim nine interprovincial titles.

Day To Day Role

“My primary function is the development of girls and women’s rugby in Munster and also includes the recruitment and upskilling of coaches and referees. The role is all about supporting the clubs with the development of the game and actively helping them with player recruitment.”

Player Recruitment Initiatives

“Munster Rugby promotes the sport in girls’ primary schools as part of the IRFU ‘Play Rugby’ initiative. This is a six week programme and involves the introduction of rugby with the emphasis on getting fit and having fun.”

“We also assist the school teachers in the development of their own coaching skills and help them organise schools blitzes throughout the season for girls at all levels to participate in.”

“Many teachers we work with have never played rugby themselves so it is important we give them confidence in their coaching abilities. Club coaching volunteers also play a key role in assisting with schools rugby development and give the players the encouragement to progress and join their local rugby club.”

“We have also started a development league for adult women’s teams throughout the province which is now in its second year running. The objective of this initiative is to encourage non-established women’s rugby in clubs to get started and compete in 10 to 15-a-side leagues. The development leagues are run by the Munster Women’s Sub-committee and have been a great success to date. We now have 20 Women’s Adult Rugby teams in Munster, 12 development sides and 8 All Ireland League sides which comprises of three teams in division 1 and five teams in division 3.”

Munster Interprovincial Women’s Side

“The Munster Women are getting ready for their interprovincial series which is scheduled to take place this December. We currently have a squad of 28 in training and preparations are going well under Head Coach Gary Walsh. Munster will be looking to reclaim their interprovincial title this year having lost out to Leinster in 2011 ending their six in a row championship bid.”

“Our first game is away to Ulster which precedes our home game in Musgrave Park against Connacht. Our final fixture will be away to holders Leinster on Saturday, 15th December.”

Women’s Interprovincial Fixtures 2012:
Sunday 2nd Dec. Ulster v Munster, Queens University, 1pm
Saturday 8th Dec. Munster v Connacht, Musgrave Park, 2.30pm
Saturday 15th Dec. Leinster v Munster, Ashbourne, 1.30pm

For any further information on girls or women’s rugby please email amandagreensmith@munsterrugby.ie