Women can try again

The Irish Women's rugby team competed in the European Championships in Spain last week without much success. At least their 19-12 victory over Holland ensured that they will be able to compete in the tournament again next season. The Irish side fielded six non-nationals, including French-born prop Magali Dolo, Australian centre Rene Jackson and Ann-Marie McAllister, a cousin of former All Black international scrum-half Dave Loveridge.

Also included in the squad was outhalf Rachelle Howell who plays with Corinthians, a lady who wouldn't need to look too far for a few tips. Her boyfriend is Connacht and Buccaneers outhalf/full back Simon Allnutt. The famous connections are extended further by the fact that Eleanor Byrne is an aunt to Lansdowne and Irish international prop Reggie Corrigan.

The team was coached by former Ulster scrumhalf Neil Doak, with the experience provided by Tipperary's Fiona Steed, who, prior to the start of last week's championships, appeared in 34 of the 35 internationals played by the Irish Women's team since its first fixture in 1992. During that time she has spent an estimated £20,000 to play for her country, a far cry from her male counterparts.

Against Holland, Ireland twice fell behind to tries in the opening quarter but led at half-time thanks to Rachel Reid's conversions of tries by Waterloo wing, Fiona Neary and Ulster prop Maura Coulter, both of whom had defied illness to take the field. A breakaway try by talismanic flanker Steed early in the secondhalf gave her team a seven point cushion and heroic defence under Almeira's blazing mid-day sun kept the Dutch at bay.