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Making History
Chris Kane14 Mar - 10:51
- A New Chapter in the Under-12 Dublin Tour by Paul Charles
This year marks a truly historic moment for the London Irish amateur rugby community. For the first time in 44 years of the Under-12 Dublin Tours to De La Salle Rugby Club, the London Irish family proudly introduced an Under-12 girls’ team to this cherished tradition. This groundbreaking achievement is not just a milestone for the players but a beacon of progress, inclusivity, and empowerment in youth rugby.
For decades, the annual tour to Dublin has been a rite of passage for young rugby players, a tradition that has shaped the values and spirit of London Irish rugby. This tour represents more than just a journey across the Irish Sea; it symbolizes teamwork, perseverance, and the opportunity to create lifelong memories. Until now, this experience has been exclusive to the boys’ teams, but this year, that tradition expanded. The girls’ team, a formidable squad made up of talented players from London Irish, Reeds, and Weybridge Valkyries, will make its mark on this historic tour.
The significance of this achievement is not lost on the coaches, players, and families who have witnessed the dedication and hard work of these young athletes. The team’s inclusion is a testament to the growing strength of women’s rugby and the increasing opportunities for young girls to shine in the sport. As the first female squad to embark on this tour, they are not only following in the footsteps of those who have gone before them, but they are also paving the way for future generations of girls to experience the same sense of pride, camaraderie, and tradition.
The presentation evening was a powerful moment for everyone involved. The event was hosted by Paul Charles, under 12s head coach, who welcomed the players and their families. Alongside Paul was Kevin Kelly, Head Coach of the Under 12s Girls section: The “Diamonds” and Neil Sapsed, Tour Manager and Chair of Youth Rugby at London Irish. Also present to speak at the event was our President; Chris Kane who spoke of our “One Club “approach and how important this is to the culture and engagement within our great club.
Special guests included Conor Evans, a former Under-12 tour captain from 10 years ago and current Wild Geese player, and Hari McCormack, a former Welsh international, former Emeralds player and current forwards coach with London Irish Emeralds. These two rugby legends, along with Paul and Kevin, presented the kit to the players, marking the beginning of what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable chapter in the club’s history.
As Paul spoke to the players and parents, the message was clear: this tour is not just about rugby, it’s about building character, creating lasting memories, and embracing the values that have long been at the heart of London Irish. The shirt really means something, it’s history and the legacy is a huge one. For the young girls stepping onto that plane for the first time, they will experience the same passion, dedication, and community that has been a part of the Dublin tour for over four decades. They will face the same challenges, celebrate the same victories, and form friendships that will last a lifetime.
This tour isn’t just a victory for the players; it is a victory for the sport of rugby, for the club, and for the girls who will forever be remembered as trailblazers. Their journey will inspire others to believe that there are no limits to what they can achieve, both on and off the field.
As the team prepares for the upcoming tour, one thing is certain: history has been made, and a new chapter in the legacy of London Irish rugby has begun. This year’s Under-12 Dublin Tour will not just be remembered for its competitive spirit, but for the inclusive and empowering message it sends to every young player—no matter their gender—that rugby is a sport for all.
For decades, the annual tour to Dublin has been a rite of passage for young rugby players, a tradition that has shaped the values and spirit of London Irish rugby. This tour represents more than just a journey across the Irish Sea; it symbolizes teamwork, perseverance, and the opportunity to create lifelong memories. Until now, this experience has been exclusive to the boys’ teams, but this year, that tradition expanded. The girls’ team, a formidable squad made up of talented players from London Irish, Reeds, and Weybridge Valkyries, will make its mark on this historic tour.
The significance of this achievement is not lost on the coaches, players, and families who have witnessed the dedication and hard work of these young athletes. The team’s inclusion is a testament to the growing strength of women’s rugby and the increasing opportunities for young girls to shine in the sport. As the first female squad to embark on this tour, they are not only following in the footsteps of those who have gone before them, but they are also paving the way for future generations of girls to experience the same sense of pride, camaraderie, and tradition.
The presentation evening was a powerful moment for everyone involved. The event was hosted by Paul Charles, under 12s head coach, who welcomed the players and their families. Alongside Paul was Kevin Kelly, Head Coach of the Under 12s Girls section: The “Diamonds” and Neil Sapsed, Tour Manager and Chair of Youth Rugby at London Irish. Also present to speak at the event was our President; Chris Kane who spoke of our “One Club “approach and how important this is to the culture and engagement within our great club.
Special guests included Conor Evans, a former Under-12 tour captain from 10 years ago and current Wild Geese player, and Hari McCormack, a former Welsh international, former Emeralds player and current forwards coach with London Irish Emeralds. These two rugby legends, along with Paul and Kevin, presented the kit to the players, marking the beginning of what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable chapter in the club’s history.
As Paul spoke to the players and parents, the message was clear: this tour is not just about rugby, it’s about building character, creating lasting memories, and embracing the values that have long been at the heart of London Irish. The shirt really means something, it’s history and the legacy is a huge one. For the young girls stepping onto that plane for the first time, they will experience the same passion, dedication, and community that has been a part of the Dublin tour for over four decades. They will face the same challenges, celebrate the same victories, and form friendships that will last a lifetime.
This tour isn’t just a victory for the players; it is a victory for the sport of rugby, for the club, and for the girls who will forever be remembered as trailblazers. Their journey will inspire others to believe that there are no limits to what they can achieve, both on and off the field.
As the team prepares for the upcoming tour, one thing is certain: history has been made, and a new chapter in the legacy of London Irish rugby has begun. This year’s Under-12 Dublin Tour will not just be remembered for its competitive spirit, but for the inclusive and empowering message it sends to every young player—no matter their gender—that rugby is a sport for all.
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