26 Aug Ten NRFC Players Feature in Sarah Robinson Cup Opener
BearingPoint Sarah Robinson Cup (Under-17 Girls)
Leinster Midlands 40 Leinster North-East 31
SETU Carlow
(Half-Time: 12 – 19)
There was huge club pride on display at SETU Carlow on Wednesday, 26th August, as an incredible ten Navan RFC youth players were selected in the Leinster North-East matchday squad for their opening clash of the BearingPoint Sarah Robinson Cup (Under-17 Girls).
Taking on a strong Leinster Midlands side, the North-East girls put in a thrilling performance, holding a 19-12 lead at the half-time break before eventually being edged out 40-31 in a high-scoring, entertaining encounter.
Navan RFC was proudly represented right across the forward pack and backline, with eight club members earning starting berths and two more providing crucial power off the bench and squad support:
Starting Forwards:
- Grace Shortt (Coláiste na Mí)
- Helena Zucchini (Ardee CS)
- Chloe Olwill (Eureka)
- Robyn Wall (St. Ciaran’s CS)
- Clarissa Vlad (Coláiste na Mí)
- Abbiemae Quinn (Eureka)
Starting Backs:
- Abigail Kerin (Scrum-half | Dundalk Grammar)
- Aoibhe Cheevers (Fly-half | Coláiste na Mí)
- Tessa Flynn (Inside Centre | Loreto Navan)
Replacements:
- Cara Condra (Forward | O’Carolan College)
The North-East area hit the ground running, producing some brilliant attacking rugby in the first half to establish a seven-point cushion at the interval. However, the Midlands side rallied strongly in the second period to claim the victory by nine points in a 71-point thriller.
Despite the result, the match provided invaluable competitive regional experience for our young players as they continue their progression through the Leinster Rugby regional pathway.
The North-East U17 Girls will regroup ahead of their second fixture of the competition:
- Fixture: Leinster North-East vs. Leinster South-East
- Date: Thursday, 29th October 2026
- Venue: Portlaoise RFC
Huge congratulations to Grace, Helena, Chloe, Robyn, Clarissa, Abbiemae, Abigail, Aoibhe, Tessa, and Cara on representing Navan RFC with such distinction!