Last Sunday marked another major milestone for Navan RFC Women’s Rugby, as all three Women’s teams took to the field at home in Balreask Old for a memorable Women’s Home Triple Header. Navan RFC proudly fielded a Women’s 1st XV, 2nd XV, and 3rd XV in Leinster League action on the same day, a significant step forward for women’s rugby in the North-East Leinster area and a powerful statement of the Club’s commitment to inclusion, development, and opportunity for players of all abilities.

This achievement reflects years of dedicated work led by Women’s Head Coach Jackie Shiels and her management team, who have successfully retained players from the youth system, transitioned them into adult rugby, and welcomed crossover athletes who have thrived in their new sport.

Leinster Women’s League Division 1
Navan 60  V Athy 5
Sunday 8th February 2026 | Balreask Old, Navan
The Women’s 1st XV produced a dominant performance against Athy, securing a decisive victory and the try bonus point before half-time.
Emily-Jo White was outstanding on the day, crossing for two tries and delivering a powerful all-round performance in the pack. The former Leinster underage player continues to be a key figure for Navan. Captain Anna Bolger expertly guided the side through the phases,
ensuring a composed and fluid attacking structure, while another former Leinster underagestandout, Katie Kearney, impressed again in her first season of adult rugby.
This comprehensive team performance sets the 1st XV up for a top-of-the-table clash away to Barnhall next Sunday at 1pm. All support is very welcome. “The Central Navan” Player of the Match: Emily-Jo White

Navan RFC Women’s 1st XV Squad: Emma Looby, Sharon Lynch, Ava Kiechler, Katie Kearney, Shona White, Ava Galvin, Aoife Ryan, Emily-Jo White, Alex Connor, Anna Bolger, Anita Lennon, Michelle Claffey, Sophia Murdock, Áine Castles, Lauren Kelly, Lauren Fitzpatrick, Mairead Carty, Jackie Shiels, Molly Egan, Louise Crinion.

The Combined Navan RFC Women’s 1st, 2nd & 3rd XV’s in Balreask Old on Sunday (Photo: Craig Williamson).

Leinster Women’s League Division 3
Navan 58 V MU Barnhall 0
Sunday 8th February 2026 | Balreask Old, Navan
The Women’s 2nd XV delivered a superb and dominant display against Barnhall J1’s, a performance that reflected two years of steady progress since beginning their journey in Division 5. Everything clicked on the day. Louise Coyle grabbed a superb hat-trick from outside centre, while Anna McGarry added six conversions from eight attempts. Sophia FitzHerbert marked her first season with the Club by scoring her first try, and Anna Mennis also crossed for her first Navan score.

Captain Paula Keating dictated the tempo throughout, effectively releasing the forwards, notably Keelan O’Connor and Martina O’Neill, while Leanne O’Neill was influential in the backline with her pace and power. This was a performance that showed real maturity and execution, putting right lessons learned earlier in the season. Next up is Dublin University(Trinity) away in College Park, Sunday 15th February at 1pm.
“The Central Navan” Player of the Match: Louise Coyle

Navan RFC Women’s 2nd XV Squad:
Lisa O’Neill, Sinead Ryan, Anna Mennis, Kaetlin Wallace, Tara Quinn, Keelan O’Connor, Louise Crinion, Martina O’Neill, Paula Keating, Ciara Quin, Allie Flynn, Anna McGarry, Louise Coyle, Sophia FitzHerbert, Leanne O’Neill, Mary-Louise Bridgeman, Thanuja Dharmasena, Anna Marchant, Aoife White, Sorcha Love, Siobhain Beggy.

Leinster Women’s League Division 6
Navan 34 V Three Saints 5
Sunday 8th February 2026 | Balreask Old, Navan
The Women’s 3rd XV capped off a fantastic day with an impressive win over Three Saints. Scrum-half Sarah White set the tone with sharp distribution and game management, while lock Victoria Quinn led from the front and deservedly claimed Player of the Match honours. Hannah Ettie carried strongly throughout, consistently generating front-foot ball, and it was great to see Kayleigh Crinion return to action after a lengthy injury lay-off. The 3rd XV now turn their attention to Balbriggan away in a Thursday Night Lights fixture, kicking off at 8pm.
“The Central Navan” Player of the Match: Victoria Quinn

Navan RFC Women’s 3rd XV Squad:
Hannah Ettie, Chelsea McGroarty, Niamh Callaghan, Shaunagh Keogan, Victoria Quinn, Shannon Mead, Kayleigh Crinion, Niamh Yourell, Sarah White, Sarah Woodroofe, Orla Conlon, Niamh Walsh, Sasha Guirey, Kelly Harris, Alanna Kelly, Lisa O’Neill, Tanya Gilbane, Sue Nisbitt, Mairead Carty, Allie Flynn, Sophia FitzHerbert, Sorcha Love.

Fielding three women’s teams in Leinster League action on the same day is a remarkable achievement, underpinned by the dedication of players, coaches, supporters, families, and friends. Navan RFC would like to sincerely thank our main sponsor P. Bermingham’s Bar, along with Joe Norris Motors, Grange Construction, and all positional sponsors for their continued support of Women’s Rugby at the Club