It’s been a messy old season in U18 Women’s rugby. Post Covid playing numbers have been an issue and there has been very little competitive rugby played at this level for the last three years.

In Ulster in particular this age grade seems to be a real road block in an already fractured players pathway with only really Enniskillen RFC, backed by strong school programmes at Enniskillen Royal Grammar and Erne Integrated College, making consistent progress.

Outside of Enniskillen, it’s a bit of a Catch 22 situation. It’s hard to see playing numbers increase unless there are competitive matches and it’s hard to see competitive matches until the playing numbers improve.

It’s a pity because both U18 teams produced an entertaining game as they kicked off the first of three friendly Interprovincial matches between Ulster and Connacht at Enniskillen RFC on Saturday.

The downside of Enniskillen RFC is that it takes me longer to get there from Larne than it does . . .