As the women’s RBS Six Nations prepares for kick-off, we spoke to Sarajane Belton, captain of the fast-improving Irish side…
What’s the state of play in Irish women’s rugby at the moment?
We’ve got about four tiers going from development up to All Ireland League Division One, maybe it’s five tiers I’m not too sure. It is growing though, we’ve got about two or three thousand players.
How did you fare last year in last year’s Six Nations?
We were a bit disappointed to be honest with you. We didn’t perform against Wales, then we lost to France due to a try in injury time which was gutting. We did okay in the rest of the competition – England are always going to be tough, but we took Scotland and Italy. All in all though it was disappointing, but I hope we can build upon because we’ve had a good warm-up this season. Last time we had a change over of coaches so we were a bit disjointed and didn’t have any warm-up matches. We’re at a better stage this season…
What about the general state of women’s rugby, is it on the up?
I think so, a lot more people are getting to know it and fewer people are saying ‘god, women’s rugby – I didn’t know women played it’. That used to happen quite frequently to me. The women’s game is getting better and the standard is raising in all the pockets of the Six Nations.
Is there much link-up between the Ireland men’s side?
We get the odd fax from them wishing us good look. Having come under the umbrella of the IRFU last year, it’s brought things together a lot more – for instance I was at the launch of the Six Nations alongside Brian [O’Driscoll] representing Ireland whereas two or three years ago we’d never have met. We were in the same city as them when we were all playing Italy last year and had a bit of a craic together, but when you’ve got professional and amateur sides it’s very difficult to link up because we’re working when they’re training…
Which are the key games for you this year?
Two really. Always the first game because you have to start well, which means Italy. Then it’s the France game. Ireland really have to do what we’ve talked about for years and beat the French. We haven’t done it yet and we came so close last year.
Who’s the side to look out for?
Has to be England, it’s very difficult to beat a semi-professional side when you’re amateur. They’ve very strong, very well-drilled and very fit – they’re always the most difficult team.
Ireland’s fixtures
1st February
Ireland v Italy, 2.40pm, St Mary’s RFC, Dublin
10th February
France v Ireland, 3pm, St Gratien, Paris
22nd February
Ireland v Scotland, 6pm, St Mary’s RFC, Dublin
7th March
Ireland v Wales, 7.30pm, St Mary’s RFC, Dublin
15th March
England v Ireland, 4.45pm, London Irish Amateur RFC, Middlesex
