Connacht Women will host several open days in the new year, with the aim of setting up some new women’s teams in the province-minis, U15, U17s and U19s as well as an adult development side writes Ciara Ní Ghabhann.

The hope is that these will expand on the successes of this year’s open days, which were open to all players over 18.

Connacht Women’s Rugby Development Officer, Wendy Hickey, said “As the other provinces have representative sides at U17’s, U18’s, and U19’s, it’s time for Connacht to grow youths rugby and give players incentive to continue on in the fastest growing sport in the country.

“This will also give the girls the chance to play some challenge matches against the other provinces’ club and provincial teams in the spring.”

The hope is that the women who attend will be able “to improve their skills, be introduced to the Connacht management, and to get the chance to experience something different from their local club environment”.

Wendy Hickey and Youth Development Officer Emer O’Dowd will be taking the sessions, along with other YDOs and professional staff from Connacht.

The training will take place at Ballyhaunis RFC, Ballindrehid Road, Tooraree, Ballyhaunis, Mayo.

Training times for minis (girls aged 9-12) are January 16^th, February 13^th and March 13^th from 11am to 12:30pm.

Training times for U15s, U17s and U19s are January 16^th, January 30^th, February 13^th, February 27^th, March 13^th and March 27^th, from 12:20pm- 2pm.

The dates of birth for the various teams are;

U15’s:  01/01/95 to 31/12/97
U17’s:  01/01/93 to 31/12/95
U19’s:  01/01/91 to 31/12/93

The development team open training will be held on are January 16^th, January 30^th, February 13^th, February 27^th, March 13^th and March 27^th, from 2pm-3:30pm.

Anyone who wishes to attend is reminded that training will begin sharply at the times above, and also to bring proper training gear (gumshields, boots etc.) and their own water bottle.