16 Mar Navan personal involved in Irish Women’s U21 Squad
A massive congratulations to Alex Connor and Rosie Searle, who were selected for the Ireland Women’s Under-21 Rugby Team that played a pre–Six Nations friendly against Canada at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Abbotstown over the weekend.
Both players began their rugby journeys in the Minis section at Navan RFC, and it has been incredible for the club community to watch them grow and develop through the pathway. Their dedication, commitment and love for the game are now being recognised at international level.
Not only are Alex and Rosie hugely talented players, they are also two fantastic young women who represent everything that is great about Navan RFC.
Alongside their Ireland U21 involvement, both players have also been competing in the Celtic Challenge in recent weeks, with Alex Connor as part of the Wolfhounds squad and Rosie Searle lining out for the Clovers.
They continue to break new ground for themselves and inspire the next generation of players coming through the club.
The Canada fixture formed part of preparations for the newly introduced Women’s U21 Six Nations Tournament, announced earlier this year by the Irish Rugby Football Union.
The new format evolves the previous Under-20 Summer Series into a more competitive structure designed to mirror elite international rugby. Across 2026 and 2027, teams will play two home fixtures and one away fixture (or vice versa), helping players experience the rhythm of travel, preparation and match intensity seen at senior international level.
To strengthen the development pathway, Squads will primarily consist of Under-21 players, But a limited number of players up to age 23 can also be selected, widening opportunities for players on the pathway to senior international honours.
In a further link between elite and pathway competitions, Round One of the U21 series will align with Round Two of the Women’s Six Nations, creating exciting double-header match weekends in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Galway.
Everyone at Navan RFC is incredibly proud of Alex and Rosie. Their hard work, determination and positivity continue to inspire our younger players and show what is possible through belief and dedication. The whole club supports them every step of the way.
Full details on the Women’s U21 Six Nations Tournament (IRFU Website):
https://www.irishrugby.ie/2026/01/22/new-womens-u21-six-nations-tournament-announced/