Our hearts are broken, but the show must go on! Ruck and Roll Episode 6 is here!!
We're down to the last 4 in the Rugby World Cup, and even though Ireland are out, we are following all the action at the home of the World Rugby Player of the Year, Josh Van Der Flier - welcome to Wicklow RFC!!
Seán and MC meet the young players there and also chat to Ireland 7s star Harry McNulty.
Stream Ruck and Roll now on RTÉ Player or press play up top to watch it on YouTube!
About the club...
With a rapidly expanding membership, Wicklow RFC are acting to ensure the club can cater for the needs of their members in the future.
They were affiliated with the IRFU back in 1963, so happy 60th to them! Wicklow played their first ever match against a selected side known as "the Gorillas".
In 2010, the club had 280 members but now twelve years later, membership stands at over 750. Along with increases in men's, minis and youths, the club has also nurtured Women's and girls Rugby, touch Rugby members and also the inclusive rugby team. C'mon the Wicklow Warriors!
It is a far cry from the 1960's. Back then, one of the major problems facing the club was finding a home. By the mid 1970's the club had settled in their current home of Ashtown Lane having previously played at Ballygonnel, Kilpoole, Tinakilly, Newrath, Killoughter, The Beehive, Coolbeg, Rosannagh, Ballybla and Glenealy.
Originally built in 1976, the clubhouse was extended to accommodate a previous club growth back in 2000 while the clubs main pitch was opened in 1994. Ireland hosted U21 internationals there in 1995 and 2002.
2016 saw Wicklows mens team lift the Provincial Towns cup for the first time in the 90 plus year history of the famous competition. They beat Enniscorthy in the final as the underdogs had their day in the Ashbourne sunshine. 20 players from the Towns Cup match-day squad came through the youths and minis set-up in the club. The team now play in division 1A of the Leinster League.
Wicklow have one of the finest youth and mini rugby set-ups in the province. They pride themselves on being a family club and strive to bring players all the way through from mini rugby, through the youth set-up and on to the senior teams where possible.
Wicklow have won numerous trophies at youth level, the highlight being two All Ireland trophies in 2007 and 2008 and a Leinster Cup treble for their three girls teams in 2019.
Young Wicklow fans can look to World Player of the year, Leinster and Irelands Josh Van Der Flier for inspiration as the athletic forward started his career with Wicklow RFC. Van Der Flier is a regular visitor to the club and is a fantastic role model for the boys and girls in the club.
The Women's and Girl's arm of the club is thriving and one of the strongest in the country. With teams at under 10s right the way up to Senior, they continue to be at the forefront of the clubs activities. They have almost 250 Women and girls playing members between mins, youths and seniors. The senior women play in the AIL and we are one of the few clubs to field two adult womens teams.
Ten players from WRFC youth's rugby have been capped at various underage levels since Barry Lynn became the first in 1999. All ten players have gone on to play senior rugby for the club.
Wicklow factfile
- Founded: 1963
- Grounds: Ashtown Lane, Wicklow Town.
- Club colours: Red, white and black jerseys, black shorts and red, white and black socks.
- Division: Men: Leinster league Division 1A
- Women AIL.
- Youths and minis: Kinder level (4 year olds) to U-18.
- Club captain: Shane Farrar
- Club president: Graham Burleigh.
RTÉ Sport will keep everyone updated during the Rugby World Cup here!
Don't forget to subscribe to RTÉ Kids YouTube and follow our socials during the Rugby World Cup.
