Women: Connacht 39 Ulster 5

by

, , ,

Ulster Women slumped to their heaviest defeat, in recent years, at the Sportsground, Galway, with Connacht running out winners by 39 – 5 on Saturday afternoon.

Ulster’s sole try came from a combined effort by Sorcha Chipperfield and Ilse Van Staden, with the latter getting the final touch, and, apart from a late disallowed try in the final minutes, that was about it from Ulster.

I must say, in my eight years of covering Women’s rugby in Ulster, Ireland and beyond, it’s one of the hardest women’s matches I’ve had to watch but I guess the truth is it’s a fair enough marker as to how far women’s rugby in Ulster has fallen behind the other provinces in recent seasons.

Ulster were, once again, completely outgunned at the breakdown with poor technique in contact providing Connacht an almost continuous supply of ball – and that’s basically the story of the game.

It’s . . .

You will need to log in or register to read the rest of this article. If you have not already registered you can click here to register.

In 2022 we added 102,631 new images in 510 galleries with a gallery breakdown of 263 Rugby, 217 Hockey and 30 Athletics. Your registration and subscription will help us to continue.

Thanks.


9 responses to “Women: Connacht 39 Ulster 5”

  1. Alanagh

    Any photos yet John?

    1. Photos are on Facebook/frontrowunion

  2. rob

    Article hits on a point but thats all(there is some issues) very condosending as a whole. Myself and others have coached at enniskillen and we certainly have more ability than the odd upset. Seriously annoying comment. They have been well worth there wins. Was this writer alseep for the whole off last season some very good rugby was played. I could go on but I will finish on irelands way, will we move ulster to dublin, I think not we’ll stick to the ulster way we have plenty of good people who will move things forward.

    1. Glad to hear it Rob – a competitive ‘Skins team can only be good for Ulster and Irish Women’s Rugby. I look forward to watching them this season.

    2. Peter

      Rob, would you agree that we need as many ladies teams playing at the highest level possible to support Ulster and Ultimately Ireland? Are players getting enough exposure in Ulster 1? To get to the standard required, enniskillen have always impressed me but have lacked in progression and now pulling out of AIL2N would support that.

      Womens Rugby need a strong club structure , more support from their clubs and get them playing at the highest level possible and stay there.

  3. catherine

    Definitely well said, facts needed to be aired and good to see it.

  4. Goose

    Could not agree more on all your points !!!! Ulster rugby has and i know for sure still has a huge talent base if the powers to be tap into it correctly, Gemma Jackson for example with out doubt has the talent to play for her country but needs to be coached in the fundamental skills of her position first, its to late when she comes into an international camp. Cheers Goose

    1. Thanks Goose. I know it was a constant source of frustration that we both ( and the Ulster players) shared.

  5. Well said it’s about time some people ” wake up and smell the coffee “

Corrections, comments or questions?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.