Sports Ireland continues to see the power of grassroots programmes, and rugby has delivered another strong example this summer. The IRFU’s Canterbury Give It A Try campaign brought 1,753 girls into 76 clubs nationwide, underlining the growing appetite for girls’ participation in Irish sports and community sport across the country.
Running across April, May and June, the eight-week initiative is aimed at girls aged 8 to 14. Its purpose is simple but important: introduce young players to rugby in a fun, welcoming setting where they can learn core skills, build confidence and enjoy being part of a team before the new club season begins.
Sports Ireland spotlight on girls’ rugby growth
Now in its ninth year, Give It A Try has become one of the most effective entry points into youth rugby in Rugby Ireland. Since launching in 2017, the programme has introduced more than 12,000 girls to the game, a significant figure for anyone tracking ireland sports news, ireland women sports and ireland youth sports.
That growth matters well beyond rugby. At a time when Irish sports bodies are pushing participation, retention and local engagement, programmes like this show how ireland sports clubs can create real pathways from first session to long-term involvement.
- 1,753 girls took part in 2026
- 76 clubs hosted sessions nationwide
- The programme targeted girls aged 8 to 14
- It ran over eight weeks during spring and early summer
How local clubs made the difference
The success of the programme was driven on the ground by local clubs working with nearby schools and community sports groups. That local approach is a big reason the scheme keeps growing. It gives girls a first taste of rugby in familiar surroundings and makes the step into regular training far less daunting.
For families following ireland sports updates and ireland local sports, that community link is a major strength. It means the game is not only expanding in traditional rugby areas, but also reaching new players who may never have considered joining before.
IRFU Women’s and Age Grade Coordinator Ava Elders Gallagher praised the commitment shown by clubs and volunteers, noting that the programme’s impact depends on the energy and time given by people at grassroots level. That volunteer effort remains central to Irish sports culture, whether in rugby, gaa, camogie, ladies gaa or school competition.
Why it matters for Irish sport
This is more than a participation figure. It is a signal that girls’ sport in Ireland is benefiting from better access, clearer pathways and stronger club outreach. In a crowded sporting landscape that includes gaa ireland, ireland football, athletics ireland and golf ireland, rugby is continuing to build its base in the right places: schools, communities and local clubs.
For readers interested in ireland sporting events 2026 and the wider future of youth development, Give It A Try stands out because it focuses on first experiences. If those first sessions are enjoyable and well-organised, clubs have a much better chance of keeping girls in the game for the season ahead.
What happens next after Give It A Try?
The next step is crucial. Many of the girls who sampled rugby this spring will now have the chance to join their local club for the coming season, turning a short introduction into a regular sporting habit. That is where the long-term value lies for sports ireland, ireland rugby fixtures in the future, and the overall health of women’s rugby.
The key thing to watch next is retention: how many of these new players return, register and continue developing through age-grade rugby. If that number stays strong, this summer’s success will have an even bigger impact in the months ahead.
Explore More: Ireland sports headlines and analysis from Media Digest
For sports ireland, this is exactly the kind of grassroots story worth tracking closely: thousands of girls getting active, clubs opening their doors, and a national game strengthening from the ground up.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
