Rugby season kicks off as Virginia RFC ‘can't keep up with demand’
First Match September 6th
As summer winds down and September has begun, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation around Virginia Rugby Football Club. The new season kicks off on Saturday 6. when the Senior men meet Donaghadee at 2:30 at the Deerpark. The Cavan side isn’t just looking forward to matches on the pitch. The club is in the midst of a big transformation.
“Phase one of our development was securing new training grounds from Coillte,” says President Helen McQuade. The 3,5 acres training areas beside the forest are separated by biodiversity corridors and with funding through the Sports Capitol Grant, Virginia RFC were able to implement phase two of their development plan: improving drainage and installing floodlights so they can play year-round, catering for the growing numbers. “Honestly, we can’t keep up with the demand.” A good complaint to have, as Helen is well aware.
As president she is proud that Virginia RFC has grown into a top-tier rugby club in Ireland. Today, it boasts 500 registered players across men’s, women’s, youth, mini, and all-ability teams. From six-year-olds taking their first steps into rugby to players competing in Ulster development squads and even international setups, the club’s player pathway is strong and “we are a well-respected outfit in Ireland”.
That growth has created challenges too, particularly in infrastructure. For years, the club has relied on temporary facilities, with a 60-foot container serving as the players’ changing rooms – Helen doesn’t know exactly how long it has been this way “20 years at least” - but she knows: “We’re in dire need of a change.” After years of tireless volunteer effort, fundraising, and support from Peace Plus, Cavan County Council, Sports Capitol Funding and the IRFU, Virginia RFC is preparing for the next chapter, as the President explains:
“Now we’re entering phase three - building a brand-new clubhouse. It will finally provide proper changing rooms, but more than that, it will be a fully accessible community hub for Virginia.”
The planned build, tentatively referred to as the Deerpark Community Hub, will include new facilities not only for players but also for local residents. With accessible bathrooms, revamped car parking, and community space upstairs, the project will benefit far more than rugby. Roughly half of the funding is secured, the rest will depend on the continued efforts of volunteers, sponsors, and supporters. Works are planned to start in spring.
Helen is optimistic: “Someone told me in 2017, ‘It’s 10 years of hard work for 100 years of operation.’ At the time I didn’t believe it, but here we are, and that’s exactly how it feels. We’re blessed with volunteers and coaches. Without them, none of this would be possible.”
The men’s senior team heads into the new season with renewed vigor. At just 25 years old, co-captain Conor Cahill is one of the more experienced players in a squad increasingly made up of young talent. Many of the newest recruits are only 18 or 19, but what they lack in senior experience, they make up for in energy and commitment.
Conor, who has played rugby since the age of seven, describes the sense of change around the club: “There’s a lot of enthusiasm and excitement right now. The younger lads bring so much passion. We had a player-coach setup in previous years, which was tough on Niall, but now with a new manager from Serbia, there’s fresh life in the team. Pre-season has been second to none.”
Preparation included a trip to Lisbon for a beach rugby tournament - part bonding exercise, part technical fine-tuning. As Conor points out, technique and mindset are everything in rugby:
“From a young age you learn the right way to tackle, where to put your head, how to enter a ruck. People think rugby is injury-prone, but it’s all about technique. There’s method to the madness.”
Beyond the physical game, what has kept Conor engaged are the connections built over the years: “I’d say the thing that I like most is the camaraderie. Rugby brings people together from all backgrounds. For me personally, it’s brought lots of friends.” Playing this intense sport with likeminded people has created a strong bond: “There’s a sense of pride when you get leaving your all out on the pitch like that and seeing the passion those around you have for it. I’d encourage any and all kids to take it up. There’s a position for everyone.”
A sentiment very much supported by Helen: “Rugby is for all shapes and sizes.” She emphasizes that the club operates on a “one-table policy”: everything is done for the good of the club as a whole, not divided by gender or age. That spirit has produced impressive results, with Virginia players regularly progressing to Ulster and Ireland squads. McQuade’s daughter Amanda now plays in England, a testament to the pathways available.
Virginia RFC’s structure reflects rugby’s ethos of inclusivity - perhaps most inspiring is their All-Accessible-Team named “All Blacks”, which welcomes children and young people of all abilities. With around 40 participants, it is a progressive setup, training regularly throughout the summer months on Ramor’s astro pitch. Which is why the club are pushing to get their own facilities up-to-scratch with all-accessible bathrooms, ramps and sensory areas.
As is custom in the rugby scene, Virginia RFC are hosting a pre-match lunch on Saturday, inviting the opposing team as well. “It’s where the old players share their war-stories" Conor comments jokingly. He appreciates: “It brings people together and the atmosphere and crowd up.” The anticipation for the season is high. He’s especially looking forward to the local derby against Cavan RFC.
At the season launch, the club will also recognize Carl Sheriff for his lifelong service - as player, coach, committee member, and active parent. Sheriff will be awarded Honorary Presidency, a symbol of how much the club values its volunteers.
Current president Helen McQuade knows: “It’s all about building for the community.” Even if it takes a decade or more.