No wimping out for Irish women's team

MOST of the great sportsmen wimped out yesterday and stayed indoors, safe from the muck and rain. But the women were out there in the thick of it, rolling around, chasing a rugby ball in preparation for their international against Scotland next Sunday.

Eight of the international squad played with Blackrock against Ashbourne in a friendly. Blackrock won 5-0.

But the real test is next Sunday at 2.30 when the squad of 22 get together at Old Belvedere in Dublin to play against Scotland. It is the first match of the season and the first time there has been a women's Triple Crown competition with all four countries - Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England - competing for the title.

"Most people are amused by us initially and you get the usual slagging but when they come down and see the standard, the level of commitment and the intensive training we all go they see we are very serious about it all," said the 26-year-old captain, Aoife Rodgers.

"You come up against all the old boys' stuff of rugby. Ordinary people who are interested in the game are very supportive but people higher up or the average man on the street think `Oh no, not women playing rugby'," she said.

The Irish team has been playing at international level for the past four years but they feel more prepared for this season than any other.

Last July, they reorganised under the guidance of a new coach, Des Beirne of the English Rugby Football Union. In preparation for the next women's World Cup in Canada in 1998, the women now have a senior squad and an A team.

They are on a strict training regime, playing and working out five days a week. They play with their clubs on weekends but have only twice trained as a complete team since last July.

Nine of the players are the offspring of first generation Irish and are based in England and Scotland. The remainder come from Ireland, north and south.

"For the past three years, the Irish team has not played England who are the world champions. We were never ready for it. We will probably be killed this year but at least we have reached the stage where we feel confident enough to play them," said Rodgers.

Most of the women are in their mid-20s, although a couple are over 30. They all work full-time and pay for travel, accommodation and gear themselves.

"It makes it a little difficult when you have to pay hundreds of pounds every year and you are playing for your country. You look at the men and the money they are making and it seems a bit unfair - although you don't begrudge them. But if we were even able to cover our costs it would be great," said Rodgers.

They have been affiliated with the IRFU which gave £5,000 towards promoting women's rugby through schools and programmes. Last year they played against France, Scotland, Wales and the Nomads - a female version of the Barbarians. They lost all their games but they hope this year will be different.

"There is a gold feeling around the place. We are all very positive and, you never know, maybe we will be able to make history this year," said Rodgers.