LGBTQ+ rugby players invited to join Sarsfields RFC rugby camp

Sarsfields RFC rugby camp launched at Limerick Pride in July due to the need for an inclusive rugby project in the Midwest.

The six-week Sarsfields RFC rugby camp is suited to both complete beginners and experienced players 

Sarsfields RFC, a new LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby initiative in the Midwest, is inviting players of all abilities, experiences and identities to join them for a rugby camp in August, September and October.

The camp will run over six weeks from Monday, August 29 and is based in the Young Munster RFC grounds, Limerick. The format will be mixed gender and non-contact, with a focus on fun and developing core skills of the game. Sessions will be run by qualified coaches with a number of special guest coaches also to be announced. 

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“The recent changes to gender participation policy in rugby have highlighted the need for rugby clubs to be more inclusive than ever,” commented project lead Gearóid Folan.

“All clubs have an opportunity to step up in this regard and while we are not yet a ratified member of the IRFU, they have been working closely with us and we are trying to do our bit. We’re grateful also to Young Munster RFC who have readily made their facilities available.”

Gearóid continued, “Our players will have access to everything they need to learn the skills of rugby in a safe and inclusive environment. There will be a welcome at the gate, changing rooms suitable for all, some top-class coaches and a rugby programme which will be suited to everyone – from complete beginners to cup winners.”

Sarsfields RFC launched at Limerick Pride in July, handing out expression-of-interest forms to educate Limerick people on the need for an inclusive rugby project in the Midwest.

“We had a really positive reaction to our launch and the expression-of-interest forms. It gave us the insight that there is most definitely an opening for a new kind of rugby offering in the region – one which goes out of its way to be inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community. We’ve also had great interest from allies and current players who also want to be part of this. We’re building something special,” said Gearóid.

The six-week Sarsfields RFC rugby camp is suited to beginners and experienced players who would like to focus on skill development around core elements such as catch-pass, footwork, evasion and identifying space. The programme will culminate in Sarsfields RFC’s first ever game – a touch rugby match against a Munster team yet to be confirmed.

Darren ‘Morro’ Morrin has been confirmed as a guest coach for the first session of the rugby camp on August 29. As a player, Darren is a tighthead prop with Malahide RFC in the Energia All-Ireland League. He is also the former Head Coach of the Emerald Warriors and current Head of Global Communications & Media Relations for International Gay Rugby.

For more information or to register for the Sarsfields RFC rugby camp, go HERE

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