31 players were selected from previous trials and arrived for intensive training ahead of their first game against Munster at Malahide RFC on Sunday at 2.30pm.  The weather was atrocious but didn’t dampen the players’ moods as there was an air of excitement within the squad.  This was the first time that the selected girls from both the regional squads (Belfast and Enniskillen) joined together to train as the new U18 squad.  The training finished on a high with some excellent rugby shown which was very promising with this being the first session.  Sessions have been coached by Regional Development Officer Joy Sparkes and Schools Development Officer Nathan Moore who felt the need for these squads as a result of the significant number of U18 girls playing in Clubs around the Province. The excellent work done in the schools has provided a vital link helping establish several new Clubs in Ulster over the last few years.

Munster have already played an U18 fixture a few weeks ago against Worcester so this will be a huge test for the Ulster girls who are still very much in the development stages at this level. Nevertheless it will be a fitting reward for these girls who have excelled in their commitment and skill development. It is hoped that this fixture will be a regular one, with it resulting in a proper competitive U18 Representative game when the girls reach that level. When 18 these girls will filter in to the Senior Development set up and in time the Ulster Senior Squad, providing a proper pathway and much needed player base for senior player development.

Much support has been received for this friendly fixture as it is a significant step forward in the development of the Women’s Game. Ireland and Ulster Prop Simon Best offered his support to the girls saying “ Best wishes to the Ulster U18 Development girls on this historic occasion. Munster will be a tough assignment but I’m sure you will do Ulster proud. Goodluck!!”

Good luck to all of the girls selected for this friendly development fixture, and congratulations to the starting 15 who are as follows:

15) Ashley Baxter (Lisburn) 14) Ashley Rodden (Carrick) 13) Hannah Farley (Magherafelt) 12) Vicky Coulter  (Bangor) 11)  Laura Davidson (vice-captain) (Cooke)  10) Rachel Lennox  (Magherafelt) 9)  Emma Dines (Ballyclare) 8) Triona Johnston (Captain)  (Donegal) 7) Jenny Dornan (Lisburn)  6) Courtney Bell (Ballyclare)  5)  Katherine Hannah (Lisburn) 4)  Casha Wordlarski  (Virginia) 3) Vicky Barnes  (Lisburn) 2) Aimee McNiece (Cooke)  1)  Laura Feely (Donegal)