For the first time in the club’s history, Navan RFC fielded three full senior women’s teams playing away simultaneously on Sunday 26th January, a significant achievement and a rarity in Irish rugby. Each squad consists of 22 players, totaling 66 athletes across three games. Remarkably, this milestone was achieved despite seven players being unavailable due to injury.

The Women’s 1st XV played in Leinster Women’s League Division 2 away to UCD, the 2nd XV played Newbridge away in Division 4, and the newly formed Women’s 3rd XV were in the Midlands for a challenge/friendly match against Midland Warriors. This historic moment is the result of the tireless efforts of Senior Women’s Head Coach Jackie Shiels (ex-Ireland, Leinster & Blackrock), Michelle Claffey (ex-Ireland, Leinster and Blackrock), and the extended coaching and management team.

Since their re-launch in 2022, Navan Women’s Rugby has enjoyed phenomenal success. Last season both adult women’s 1st & 2nd teams both brought home their respective Leinster League & Cup doubles to Balreask Old, winning four trophies in total and smashing records. Earlier this season, Navan were also the first club to ever field a Women’s U20’s team outright, and go onto be the first team to ever win a Leinster Women’s U20 title.
Coach Jackie Shiels is not only driving success at the senior level but also leading efforts to develop mini and youth girls’ rugby, ensuring a sustainable future for the club. Women and girls in the area interested in playing rugby can contact the team via email at navanladiesrugby@gmail.com to be part of this thriving program.

Results

Leinster Women’s League Division 2 (Sunday 26th January)
UCD 19 Navan 22
Belfield, Dublin.
Navan Women’s 1st XV maintained their 100% record in Leinster Women’s League Division 2 with a hard-fought victory over UCD. In cold, wet, and windy conditions, Navan overcame a tough challenge from the hosts, securing the win in the final minutes of the game. Despite struggling to execute their usual clinical style in the adverse weather, the Navan side showed immense determination to grind out the result and stay at the top of the league table.
Player of the Match was second row Shona White, whose exceptional performance was pivotal to Navan’s success.

Navan Women’s 1st XV Squad “Sponsored by P. Bermingham’s Bar”:
Emily Jo White, Ava Kiechler, Kelly Brady, Emma Looby, Shona White, Louise Crinion, Aoife Ryan, Rosie Searle, Anita Lennon, Anna Bolger, Molly Egan, Michelle Claffey, Molly Fitzgerald, Áine Castles, Aisling Kelly.
Replacements:
Lauren Fitzpatrick, Victoria Quinn, Kayleigh Crinion, Áine Nangle, Alex Connor, Maria Smith, Jackie Shiels.

Leinster Women’s League Division 4 (Sunday 26th January)
Newbridge 5 Navan 49
Newbridge RFC, Co. Kildare.
Navan Women’s 2nd XV continued their stellar season with a dominant performance over Newbridge, scoring nine tries to secure a decisive victory and maintain their position at the top of the league table. Despite Newbridge managing a solitary try, Navan proved too strong in every aspect of the game.
Player of the Match was awarded to winger Louise Coyle, who showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the game.
Navan Women’s 2nd XV will next face Garda at the Westmanstown Sports Complex on Sunday, 2nd February with a 1pm Kick-off.
Navan Women’s 2nd XV Squad “Sponsored by P. Bermingham’s Bar”:
Nour Khairy, Mary-Louise Bridgeman, Racheal Browne, Thanuja Dharmasena, Mairead Carty, Kaetlin Wallace, Tara Quinn, Martina O’Neill, Paula Keating, Ciara Quinn, Siobhain Beggy, Geraldine Lynch, Sophia Murdock, Louise Coyle, Rhiannon Hoey
Replacements: Róisín Watters, Anna Mennis, Sinead Ryan, Ava Galvin, Lauren Kelly, Niamh Lister.

Women’s Friendly (Sunday 26th January)

Midland Warriors 21 Navan 7
Midland Warriors RFC, Co.Westmeath
Navan Women’s newly formed 3rd XV took to the field for the first time, playing a friendly against Midland Warriors. The squad featured a blend of emerging youth players and experienced club players, giving them a competitive edge in their debut outing. Despite a strong effort, Navan came up short, with Midland Warriors securing the win. However, it was a fantastic learning experience and a proud moment for the club as they continue to expand their women’s rugby program.
Player of the Match was scrumhalf Orlaith Daly, who impressed with her composure and effort throughout the match.
Navan Women’s 3rd XV Squad
Edel Weldon, Niamh McManus, Niamh Callaghan, Sarah O’Brien, Hannah Ettie, Chelsea McGroarty, Shaunagh Keogan, Keelan O’Connor, Orlaith Daly, Anna McGarry, Rosanna O’Neill, Katie Kearney, Leanne O’Neill, Lily Jane Smith
Replacements: Jennifer McElroy, Ellen Mennis, Leanne Wallace, Anna Marchant, Donna Finlay, Sarah Crosby.