Women’s + Tour to Ireland

From scrappy matches and seaside dives to belly laughs on buses and late-night pub sing-a-longs, our Ireland tour was a whirlwind of rugby, connection, and unforgettable memories! 

One of the highlights of our trip was the incredible training session hosted by the Trinity College Rugby coaches. Their high-energy, fast-paced approach kept us engaged and constantly moving, building drills off one another to reinforce key skills. It felt good to run after a long day of travel, jetlag and to work out the nerves before our 1st match. We worked on everything from tracking tackles behind the uprights to expanding our peripheral vision for quicker decision-making. The emphasis on “elegant violence”—hitting hard while staying controlled—helped us refine our aggression and technique, with drills like getting low into tackles, chopping our feet before contact, and making the effort to stay low in rucks. 

Barry, the forwards coach, even gifted us a cheeky lineout trick play that we definitely plan to unleash this season. The coaches did a fantastic job of simplifying complex concepts, making them both digestible and applicable to real-game scenarios. By the end of practice, we weren’t just sore—we were sharper, faster, and more prepared to react to whatever comes our way on the pitch.

First match of the trip was an incredible opportunity, to play against Railway Union in Ireland, and what a match it was! Despite the daunting opponents, for those who don’t know Railway is Ireland’s oldest union; their first team plays in the professional Women’s All-Ireland League. The second team plays in the Leinster League. We played with intensity and heart, pushing ourselves against a strong and skilled team that inspired us to strive for even better rugby. We saw teammates return from injury and retirement, proving themselves as absolute units on the field. From scoring tries that Railway did not expect to concede to winning scrums and lineouts, we fought hard and found moments of pride in our rucking, tackling, and overall team continuity. 

Some highlights were: ending the half at 22 – 12; Kass and Bri D. scored tries off new lineout sets; Liz held up a try after minutes of intense defense; Mo scored her first try, in her debut match, since a severe injury took her out at the 1st game of the fall; and Gabby’s poaching skills were so impressive! Beyond the match, the communal feel of the club was unforgettable—cheering on the sidelines, cartwheel contests, and getting local recommendations while inhaling the scent of delicious local post match curry in the clubhouse. The social afterward was a blast, though we may have horrified a few locals while Bri D. and Mo were “shooting the boot” and Nikki got iced (because chaos doesn’t stop for international borders). And, of course, the beach walks, hot whiskey, and fan-girling moments added to the magic of the trip. It was a humbling but rewarding game, and we left feeling grateful, inspired, and ready to keep growing…. And new teammates were introduced to Kangaroo Court via Pele’s (Georgia) notorious kick.

Beyond the matches and practices, some of the most unforgettable moments of our trip happened while simply exploring Dublin together. From fighting for space in the packed St. Patrick’s Day bars to the quieter moments of sipping a pint and watching the parade from a cozy corner booth, the city gave us memories we’ll be laughing about for years. We bonded over tattoos, late-night hotel bar cocktails (Courtney’s infamous “Shitty Shirleys” included), and spontaneous adventures—whether it was a trip to the zoo with Patience, a deep dive into Dublin’s history on a walking tour with Mags, seeing the book of Kells with Erin or getting lost in the woods of Massy’s Estate with Suz and Kim. 

Some of us embraced the chaos of Temple Bar, while others found unexpected connections with solo travelers and even learned a bit of Irish dancing. Whether it was rowdy nights out, enjoying a Prosecco tree with sparklers, Monikers games in the hotel, or shopping in flea markets after the Guinness Storehouse tour, every moment added to the magic of this trip. Side quests to see a bog body or an ancient book, Dublin challenged us, embraced us, and brought us closer together in ways that went far beyond rugby.

Galway quickly became a favorite stop on our trip, offering the perfect mix of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable nights out. The Cliffs of Moher left us in awe, standing together as a team and taking in one of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes. Mornings in Galway were for cold plunges! Gabby, Lauren, Snappah, Alana, Hannah, Ali, Patience, Laura, Paysen, Pinky and Mac as an honorable mention—jumping off the Blackrock diving board into the Atlantic, waking up our bodies and spirits with a rush of adrenaline. As one local put it, “You go in that water, and you come out alive.”

Some of us spent time on the shore, scavenging for rocks and sea glass at Salt Hill, while others explored the charming streets, bought claddagh rings and soaked in the ocean air. Nights in Galway were just as memorable, from pints and traditional live music played at The Kings Head, scream-singing Mr. Brightside and Country Roads at The Dáil Bar, to belting out rugby songs like, “If I were the marrying kind…” on The Quays’ rooftop. Whether it was bar hopping, bonding over our scavenged little treasures, or simply embracing the city’s lively energy, Galway had a way of bringing us together and leaving a lasting mark on our trip—and on our growing collection of rocks.

Playing against Galway University Rugby was nothing short of magical. With a stunning castle as our backdrop, perfect weather, and an evenly matched opponent, we pulled together as a team, adjusted to the wonky and sometimes a bit fancy EU rules, and put our skills to the test. Our maul try off a lineout was especially tasty, and we celebrated big hits, growing communication, and some standout performances—Kim and Pele’s two tries, Sadia’s unstoppable meters, and teammates stepping into new positions with confidence. Everyone was able to get playing time in and we really started to gel as a cohesive team. The match was hard-fought, and won but the real reward was the experience—introducing Galway to the Ronan, Kiernan and Furgal (the Frogs), dancing the night away at Tigh Neachtain and Taaffes, playing Pass the Pigs in the pubs, Galway has a piece of our hearts now, and we won’t forget the rugby, the camaraderie, or the unforgettable scenery that made this part of the trip so special.

Some of our best team bonding happened on the bus, where long drives turned into some of the most entertaining and chaotic moments of the trip. Whether it was the entire team singing together with the last person on the bus, hair braiding sessions in the back with Paysen and Bri, or Liv’s unforgettable rendition of the Sardine Song, every ride had its own special energy. Kangaroo Court was a fan favorite, with Nikki delivering fun and fitting sentences—especially the requirement for parliament to wear bonnet de douches! Trivia battles (shoutout to “tasteful side boob” for the close win), Tanis’s signature “wakey wakey—eggs and bakey” wake-up calls, and side conversations that deepened friendships all made for an unforgettable time. And, of course, no one will forget the wild ride up Corkscrew Hill, where we clung to our seats, praying that Vlad would get us through the Burren safely all while taking in the stunning Irish countryside, stone walls, and baby lambs. Sadia singing Danny Boy, people jumping in to sing along with the Gambler, Pink Pony Club or Tanis’s summer camp songs made the bus not just a way to get from place to place—it was a space where our team came together, and smuggled cases of Taytos.

Our final match of the trip against Portadown was the perfect way to close out our rugby adventure. From the moment we arrived, the energy was high—whether it was running around outside in the rain that finally caught up with us for warm-ups, practicing lineouts together, or getting everyone on the field and absolutely crushing it. The opportunity to train alongside Portadown before the match made this game feel even more special, giving us a chance to truly bond with them before competing. We supported each other through every play, saw great individual growth and teammates stepping into new roles. Everyone got on the field and absolutely crushed it. Bri D., Erin and Liz were a brick wall, Pinky and Kass ate every tackle and Mac flew like those beautiful magpies we admired all week! Gabby and Mags even played for the Portadown team! The post-match social was full of great craic and new friends, with a heartfelt and inspiring speech of “Rugby family, community and international bonds” from their club President and our Coach’s legendary words, “You can either run fast or chug fast, but it wouldn’t be fair if you were great at both,” after Ace’s Guinness mishap. Portadown’s warm hospitality and strong spirit made this match unforgettable, and we left feeling proud, connected, and grateful for the start of a women’s exchange tradition.

Capping off our incredible trip, we had the unforgettable experience of attending a professional women’s rugby match, and the energy in the stadium was absolutely electric. Seeing the speed, efficiency, and strategy of high-level play up close was inspiring—especially how they spread the field on attack and defense and utilized mauls off lineouts, a move we found success with ourselves. 

Ireland’s first try, driven by a powerful maul, was an amazing moment to witness, and the crowd’s energy with every score, every chant, and every wave of flags made us feel like a true part of the rugby community. One of the best surprises of the night was recognizing our very own Millie, president of NERRS, as the match’s AR. It was incredible to see her out there on the big stage, reminding us just how strong our New England rugby family is. Kingspan Stadium was a treat; the atmosphere was incredible, and being surrounded by so many passionate fans celebrating women’s rugby was the perfect way to wrap up our time in Ireland. From cheering with the team to soaking in the culture of the game, it was an experience we won’t forget!

Belfast was an emotional rollercoaster, a day packed with reflection, inspiration, and camaraderie. We began with a walking tour of the Peace Walls, where we immersed ourselves in the history of the Troubles—a sobering experience that brought many of us to tears. Yet, amidst the heaviness, we found beauty in the powerful street art murals, each telling a story of resilience and hope. The day shifted gears as we embraced the electric atmosphere of the Six Nations match, a thrilling contrast to the morning’s somber tone. Finally, we wrapped up our time in Belfast with a final team dinner, followed by a lively pub crawl that led us to the neon-lit streets outside the Duke of York. The night was filled with laughter, bittersweet goodbyes, and a shared understanding that, no matter where we came from, we had created something special together. Through sickness, awkward cab rides, and even a few wrong turns, Belfast left its mark on us—a city that, like our team, carries both the weight of its past and the joy of its present in perfect balance.

Of course, no rugby tour would be complete without a handful of unexpected, hilarious, and downright chaotic moments that we’ll be laughing about for years. From Alana’s card betrayal to the wildly mismatched hotel bed assignments (single beds for couples?!) to Tanis loudly announcing “We miss Brian!” mid-drive, surprises were around every corner. We lost rings to mysterious sink drains, witnessed Dani and Liv break into a full VeggieTales performance on the way to our farewell dinner, and watched with both confusion and amusement as a cranky Uber driver made Tessa and Kim clean his rubber floor mats. There were the now-iconic required swim cap “hats” worn by Liz and Kass in the jacuzzi, a rogue Podrick appearance during Kangaroo Court.  New tattoos for Liv, Danielle, Erin, Bri D., Kass, Snap, Mo, Lauren, Fern, Lily, and Hannah. And who knew Joy would be our designated drinker and could skull a Guinness THAT quickly? Speaking of Guinness, we all learned that we could either ‘Split the G’ on demand (weird but snazzy super power Liv) or just NEVER… okay maybe once.

A very special shoutout goes to the littlest rugger on our tour, no not Swilson… though we owe her and Joy so much gratitude for making this happen! Honestly, can’t thank the two of them enough; from coordinating with all players, companies, Tanis and all the fundraising efforts provided…. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! But the actual littlest one, 14-month-old Shiloh, who completely stole our hearts. Whether he was dancing to live music in Galway, calmly observing the chaos from his perch at the pub, or snoozing on the bus while being gently snuggled, he was the picture of a perfect traveler. From breakfast strolls, bird-watching to post-match cuddles and charming everyone during socials, Shiloh brought such warmth and joy to the group. His presence was more than just adorable—it was powerful. Having him, along with Lily and Lanni, on this trip was a beautiful reminder that rugby family and chosen/blood family don’t have to be separate. Women can have it all: be fierce teammates, loving parents, and valued community members. Their presence empowered us, showed future players and alumni what’s possible, and made space for a more inclusive vision of what it means to be part of this team. We were lucky to have them with us—and we hope to see more little ruggers (and their badass moms) in seasons to come.

There’s something truly magical about traveling with your rugby team—a kind of connection that deepens with every shared laugh, challenge, and pint. This tour reminded us that rugby is so much more than what happens on the pitch; it’s the quiet moments of care, the spontaneous silliness, and the unwavering support we offer one another that make this community so special. From Maggie’s thoughtful toast on day one to Nikki’s hug getting you through a hard moment. From Liz always looking out for us, to Hannah, Pinky and P’s gymnastic prowess…. From Liv’s unstoppable energy to Addison’s comforting presence as a roommate—every single gesture added to the tapestry of this experience. 

We celebrated Snap’s birthday and Alana’s bravery diving into the ocean. We leaned on our emotional support baby, and found new depth in old and new friendships. Whether it was sharing headphones, finding feathers, getting tattoos, splitting meals, swapping roles on the field, or just reminding each other that we belong here, this team showed up in all the best ways. For those who felt seen, held, and encouraged—you weren’t alone. And for those who made that possible—the most sincere and heartfelt thank you. Traveling together gave us the gift of perspective, connection, and a beautiful reminder that no matter your role or reason for being on tour, there’s always a place for you in this rugby family.

We all returned home with full hearts—and just a little extra weight in our bags. Some of us carried rocks, shells, glass, and even feathers tucked away like tiny treasures from the coastlines and countrysides we wandered together. Others snuck back hotel keys, a glass from a favorite bar, or a four-leaf clover gifted by a teammate. Some brought back jerseys exchanged after hard-fought matches, while many of us returned with a new appreciation for rugby, for travel, and for each other. We carried home memories of laughter, connection, late-night chats, and early morning dives into the Atlantic. And maybe—a mild head cold or two. But above all, we brought back something you can’t pack: the feeling of belonging to something bigger than ourselves, and the reminder that once you’ve traveled with your rugby team, you’re never quite the same. You’re a little braver, a little closer, and a whole lot more bonded by the beautiful chaos of it all.