Wondering about taking up rugby? Read through our most frequently asked questions to find out why you should give it a try!
Do I need prior experience?
NO! The vast majority of Galwegians womens players had no previous experience of rugby, or even tag rugby, when they joined the club.
Though the majority of players have played sports at some point before joining rugby, other former squad members joined without having a sports background – definite proof that no experience is required!
What gear/equipment do I need?
You will need rugby/football boots of some kind, but these can be found at reasonable prices. You will also need a gumshield once we start contact training; scrum-caps, thermals, and shoulder pads are all optional.
I wouldn’t be able to play – I’m not fit!
Don’t worry! Team fitness sessions are part of the training we receive, and after the summer holidays you can be guaranteed that everyone will be at a similar low level of fitness!
Pitch training incorporates aspects of fitness training so you won’t even notice you’re doing the hard work, and with the whole squad training together, it’s a great team-bonding exercise!
But I don’t know the rules!
Not many people do when they first take up rugby!
It comes with time, practice and, of course, match experience. We have highly qualified coaches who will take you through the rules during training, and your team-mates will be on hand to help with any queries.
Questions are always asked – so don’t be afraid to raise your hand!
But I’m afraid of contact!
Don’t worry – this is natural! However, we can guarantee you will feel differently after a joining in in a training session.
You will be taught EVERYTHING you need to know about how to tackle and how to receive a tackle safely.
Remember, rugby is not a reckless sport!
Yes but don’t rugby players suffer bad injuries?
Believe it or not, once players train regularly hardly any injuries occur. Just like in any other sport, accidents sometimes happen but for the most part all you will suffer is a little bruising.
Our coaches will provide us with proper conditioning programmes for injury prevention, so it shouldn’t be a problem if you do the work.
What competitions does the squad play in?
Galwegians Women’s Rugby competes annually in the All-Ireland League (Division 1) which runs roughly from September to December; and the National Cup competitions, which run from January to April.
Apart from that, the squad has played friendlies against numerous visiting teams, most recently against Lafayette College (2013), and in various rugby sevens competitions during the summer.
Are there any opportunities for learning more about the game?
Absolutely! Rugby is about more than a game – it’s a community.
During your time at Galwegians you will gain an insight into the workings of the game at club (meeting teams, matches, socials, tours), and at Interprovincial (working with Connacht Rugby in training to become a coach, volunteering at Connacht matches).
Sounds like you train a lot … Do you ever socialise?!
But of course! Between post-match celebrations and fundraising events with the men’s team and other sports clubs, we keep ourselves busy!
We have numerous fundraisers and events during the year, including the annual Club Awards dinner. The squad takes regular trips to support the Irish Women’s Rugby team during the Six Nations tournament, and of course the Connacht team who are based at the Sportsground.
Join the fun!
