Caitlin relishing Six Nations Festival chance

Róisín McManus

Drung teenager Caitlin Crowe says she is honoured to make her mark with the Ireland U18 Women’s team, playing in the ongoing Six Nations Festival.

Taking place in Wellington College in England, the Irish team are set to play their final match against Italy on Friday, April 10, having already faced France, England and Scotland with varying degrees of success.

After a heavy defeat at the hands of France last Thursday, April 2, the girls in green overcame both England and Scotland in back-to-back games on Easter Monday, April 6.

Speaking to the Celt after the wins, Caitlin, who plays back, says it is an “honour” to have been chosen for the squad, particularly on behalf of her club, Virginia RFC.

“Everyone works so hard to get me here,” she praises her club.

Before she left for the tournament, her parish of Drung were also “so supportive”, rallying around her with a big send-off.

For 12 days, players are stationed in Wellington College to take part in the tournament, which Caitlin, who was also selected to play in last year’s tournament, describes as “really competitive” amongst the players of the future.

“It’s so special,” Caitlin says of being named on the team, noting that she has made “so many” new friends from across the country while playing.

“It’s really hard work but it’s so nice because you’re in such a high-performance environment and everyone wants the same goal, they all want to help each other achieve the same and they’re all here for the same reason,” she explains.

After a “very fierce battle” with an “amazing” French side that didn't go their way, the Irish girls “really worked together” in “tight matches” against England and Scotland to claim victory.

A sixth year student in Loreto College Cavan, the 17 year old has her work cut out for her this year between training and studying for her Leaving Cert exams.

Caitlin, who hopes to study physio in either Derry or UCD, has been training hard in the lead up to the tournament. Weekend training camps have been held in Blanchardstown every weekend in February and March alongside her regular training on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Belfast, and year-round training with coaches from the IRFU National Talent Squad (NTS).

At the start of March, Caitlin’s club team, Virginia RFC U18s Girls, defeated Enniskillen 12-0 to claim the Ulster U18 Cup.

“The girls are amazing,” Caitlin says of her teammates.

After dedicating her early years to gaelic football at her club, St Finbarrs, and at county level; at 14 years old, Caitlin was asked to play rugby with Cavan as they were low in numbers.

“I always wanted to try it but I always played county for gaelic and I never really had time,” she admits.

“I went to try it and got asked into the Ulster development team, and it went from there.”

Earlier this year, Caitlin joined Virginia RFC, with the help of her coaches in Cavan who "really helped" her get there.

For the past three years, Caitlin has played on the Ulster Juniors squad in the Junior Interprovincial Series, and will be moving onto the senior squad this year.

“It’s a bit nerve wracking but I’m sure everyone will be there to support me,” she says of the transition.

Looking to the future for her rugby career, Caitlin “would love” to be named on the Ireland U20 squad next year and to get a contract in the next couple of years.

“Take every opportunity you get and work your best,” she advises up and coming players.

“Your best is all you can do and have fun along the way. I’ve had so much fun and I’m so grateful for it.”