The Emerald Warriors womens+ team, the Azures, will play its first match in Leinster Women's Division 5.
The Azures are the first full-contact women's+ team fielded by the LGBT+ club. It was founded in 2003 and aims "to provide an open, inclusive, and safe environment to watch, play, and enjoy rugby."
The team’s captain, Jess Elmes is now encouraging anyone with even the slightest interest to join them for training on Mondays and Wednesdays at The High School.
She assured potential new members: “Our inclusive club offers a safe community where qualified coaches help you grow at a pace which suits you, with the encouragement of your teammates and other club members."
Jess went on to say: "I was proud to lead Ireland's first women+ team at the biennial Union Cup in Birminghan, in April, and we are using the positive momentum from this competition to grow our team.
“Our commited players chose to forgo an off-season this summer to compete in the Midland Midnight 7s tournament in July, with the continued support of coach Maxime Du Pradel.
“After a 41-0 win in the semi-final against DCU, the Azures gave everything they had against Ashbourne with a narrow defeat, 20-15."
Speaking about the team's plan going forward, Jess explained: "Pre-season training began this week, and we are now inviting people of all levels of experience and fitness to join us for training Mondays and Wednesdays in The High School from 19.00-21.00.
“Our inclusive club offers a safe community where qualified coaches help you grow at a pace which suits you, with the encouragement of your teammates and other club members.
“If any one reading this has even a the slightest interest, do not waste any time and GET INVOLVED."
Emerald Warriors Club President Richie Fagan added: "Our Azure team is now eight months old, we are BURSTING with Pride, they have achieved so much in such a short period of time with a series of firsts.
“Their first try’s, international tournament, seven’s tournament, and an incredible win. There is no stopping the enthusiasm and drive for more from this incredible bunch of women’s plus players.
“Incredible milestones ahead for Azure as they prepare for their first Leinster Division 5 game against St Mary's College RFC, at home in The High School, at 13.00, 17th September.
“We have already had new players join the Azures over the summer, with pre-season underway it's a great time to welcome more people to our diverse club that has an incomparable offering for the LGBT+ community as well as our allies."
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