Old Belvedere have made the perfect start to their Energia All-Ireland League campaign, but the real story behind their early success is the belief growing around the Dublin club. For Emma Tilly and her teammates, the message is simple: play with a smile, work hard and trust the process.
Belvedere have taken maximum points from their opening three matches in Women’s Division 1A, collecting three wins and three bonus points. That perfect return has placed them at the top of the table and created genuine momentum at Ollie Campbell Park.
Sports Ireland focus: confidence driving Old Belvedere’s start
The club’s strong opening has been built on more than results. Tilly believes the atmosphere within the squad has changed significantly after a difficult previous campaign, when Belvedere finished fourth before losing 24-17 to UL Bohemian in the semi-final.
That defeat still provides motivation, but it has not been allowed to dominate the season. Instead, the players have used it to set clearer goals and raise their standards. The return of a larger training group has also brought greater competition for places, with more than 40 players regularly attending sessions.
For Tilly, who missed a substantial part of last season with an ankle injury, being back on the pitch for all three games has added to the satisfaction. The 23-year-old Kildare winger is now enjoying an environment where established players and emerging talent are pushing one another every week.
- Three victories from three league fixtures
- Maximum points collected so far
- More than 40 players attending many training sessions
- A stronger pathway from underage rugby into senior competition
Young players and experienced coaches raising standards
The increased numbers have created a healthier challenge throughout the squad. Younger players are competing for positions, while senior members are being forced to maintain high standards. That balance has helped Old Belvedere develop depth in a demanding women’s rugby competition.
Head coach Fiona Hayes has been central to that progress, driving an energetic training environment and encouraging the squad to test its limits. Ireland international Enya Breen has also joined the coaching group as backs coach, adding valuable experience and helping shape the team’s attacking ambitions.
Even while away with Ireland in South Africa for the WXV Global Series, Breen continued to support the squad by helping organise sessions and providing backline moves. That commitment has strengthened the link between the coaching group and the players.
An attacking style with plenty of variety
Belvedere are aiming to play fast, expansive rugby. Quick ball from the breakdown gives their backs opportunities to attack space, while strong carriers provide a more direct option when defences are set.
Out-half Ellen Jane O’Sullivan Sexton has been important to that approach. Her ability to kick, pass or change the point of attack makes Belvedere difficult to read. The combination with scrum-half Jade and the club’s talented outside backs gives the team several ways to threaten opponents.
The opening fixtures have also shown that the side can adapt. Against Galwegians, the forwards dominated through their scrum and close-quarter work. In the 33-20 win over Railway Union, Belvedere had to show patience and resilience against one of the competition’s traditional leading clubs.
Blackrock challenge offers an early statement opportunity
Next up is a major Dublin derby, with third-placed Blackrock College visiting Ollie Campbell Park. The fixture represents an important test of whether Belvedere can maintain their fast start against another strong side.
With the league schedule reduced this season, every result carries extra weight. There is less room to recover from an inconsistent spell, making bonus points and home victories especially valuable as the campaign develops.
Tilly says the squad understands that selection must be earned. No player can assume a place is secure, and that competitive edge has helped create intensity at training without damaging the strong social bond within the group.
That togetherness has also been visible on matchdays. Players who are not selected have continued to attend games, support their teammates and learn from those on the pitch. The growing crowd around the club has added to the sense that Old Belvedere are building something together.
“Play with a smile” is more than a slogan
The phrase has become a guiding idea for the season. Tilly believes that reducing pressure allows players to express themselves and produce their best rugby. For a club that wants to attract returning internationals and develop young talent, creating a positive environment is a central part of the plan.
That freedom does not mean a lack of ambition. Belvedere still want to reach the Energia AIL final, and their early results suggest they have the quality to challenge the leading teams. The next test against Blackrock should reveal more about their title credentials.
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Old Belvedere’s immediate priority is to turn an impressive opening month into sustained form. The Blackrock derby will test their attacking confidence, forward power and ability to handle pressure at the top of the table.
If the squad continues to combine competition for places with the enjoyment Tilly describes, Belvedere could move from last season’s semi-final disappointment to a genuine final challenge. The next chapter begins at Ollie Campbell Park.
Article/Image Courtesy: IrishRugby.ie