30 Jul Navan RFC Unveils Women’s Coaching & Management Team for 2026/27
Following a landmark season that saw three adult squads compete across provincial leagues and capture the prestigious Leinster Paul Flood Cup, Navan RFC is thrilled to officially announce our powerhouse Women’s Coaching and Management Team for the 2026/2027 season.
With our 1st XV preparing to make their mark in the All-Ireland Junior Cup and our 2nd XV launching campaigns in the Leinster League divisions, the club has assembled an elite coaching setup blending international experience, provincial expertise, and deeply rooted club stalwarts.
The Coaching & Management Unit
Jackie Shiels — Head Coach
Since taking the reins as Women’s Head Coach in 2023, former international Jackie Shiels has spearheaded a golden era for women’s rugby at Balreask Old. Jackie’s visionary leadership has not only elevated individual player development but successfully expanded our setup to sustain three fully competitive adult squads. Working alongside an exceptional backroom team, Jackie returns to lead our ambitious group into national competition this season.
Michelle Claffey — Assistant Defence Coach
International experience continues to drive our defensive structures. Since joining the coaching staff in 2023, former Irish international Michelle Claffey has built an impressive coaching resume, including high-performance roles with the Wolfhounds in the Celtic Challenge, Leinster Women in the Interprovincial Championship, and the Ireland Under-18 Girls.
“With 13 years of playing experience across the AIL, Leinster, and Ireland, I am very excited about bringing my experience to the club and growing rugby at Navan RFC. Having previously coached in the League, I know the work rate required by squads. Operating three teams in the Leinster League allows more players to play, develop, and enjoy the game at their level.” — Michelle Claffey
David Delahunt & Andrew Kiernan — Assistant Backs Coaches
Former Men’s 1st XV scrum-half David Delahunt continues his coaching journey at Balreask Old, bringing sharp tactical insight to the backline alongside Andrew Kiernan.
“I started playing rugby in Navan at U10s all the way up to the Senior men’s team. Once I finished playing, I coached the Under-17 and Under-18 boys for three seasons before joining the Adult Women’s squads. I’m really looking forward to the start of a new season and tackling the new challenges ahead.” — David Delahunt
Sinéad Ryan & John Baker — Assistant Forwards Coaches
Powering the set-piece will be two absolute Navan RFC stalwarts. Former Leinster and Ireland representative Sinéad Ryan brings a wealth of top-tier playing experience alongside her recent success in our Minis and Youth coaching setups. She is joined by former Men’s 1st XV talisman John Baker, whose grit and pack leadership will be invaluable to our forwards unit.
Edwina Connor & Simon Marchant — Team Managers
Off-field operations and squad logistics remain in expert hands with Edwina Connor and Simon Marchant. Edwina, who has represented the club at both North-East Area and Leinster administrative levels, transitions seamlessly alongside her players.
“I was a manager for youth girls in Navan RFC for five years before moving onto the adult women’s teams. I’m looking forward to continuing as manager for the senior women’s squad and collaborating closely with this fantastic coaching team.” — Edwina Connor
Bernard Smyth (Ultimate Conditioning) — Strength & Conditioning Lead
Athletic development, recovery, and physical preparation will once again be overseen by former Men’s 1st XV Captain Bernard Smyth of Ultimate Conditioning. Bernard’s tailored S&C blueprints ensure our squads remain robust, dynamic, and match-ready for a long campaign.
Powered by Volunteers: The Heartbeat of Our Club
As we prepare for kick-off across the Leinster League Divisions and the All-Ireland Junior Cup, Navan RFC wishes to acknowledge the extraordinary effort that happens behind the scenes.
Every session, match day, and administrative detail is driven by dedicated men and women working tirelessly on a voluntary basis. This passion is the true heartbeat of Balreask Old. Kudos to everyone who contributes big or small to keeping our club thriving. It truly matters!
Join the Squad: New Players Always Welcome!
Whether you are an experienced player returning to the sport, an athlete looking for a high-tempo cross-training environment, or someone wanting to try rugby for the very first time, there is a place for you in our squad.
Contact Head Coach Jackie Shiels: +353 (0)87 362 9825 or Email: navanladiesrugby@gmail.com
The entire executive committee and membership at Navan RFC wish Jackie, the coaching staff, the management team, and all our players every success for a massive 2026/2027 season ahead!
The 2026/27 Navan RFC Adult Women’s Coaching/Management group