UCD gearing up for Rugby World Cup

Pictured: Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere), Clare McLoughlin, Niamh Briggs and Sene Naoupu at the Women’s World Cup draw in Belfast.

Since the announcement in 2015 that Ireland was to be the location for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup, the host of the pool stages, UCD, have been counting down to this momentous event.

Despite the fact that Ireland were the only bidder for this year’s tournament, the win was seen as something of a coup, and a successful tournament will no doubt go a long way to help the IRFU’s bid for the 2023 Men’s World Cup.

January of 2017 saw the schedule for the pool stage matches confirmed and the news that tickets were to go on sale with immediate effect. Games will be held on two pitches at the UCD campus, the UCD Bowl and Billings Park, with Ireland kicking off their tournament against Australia on the opening day, August 9th.

Above: The Women’s Rugby Cup trophy.
Photos courtesy of Inpho Photography.

Also playing on that day and opening the event are defending champions, England, who will face down relative rugby minnows, Spain. Matches continue on August 13th and 17th, with day tickets costing just €10 per day for Billings Park and €15 for the UCD Bowl. Children and family tickets are also available.

“With just seven months to go until the first games in UCD, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 takes another important step forward with the pool schedules confirmed and all tickets on sale,” said Fiona Coghlan, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 Ambassador. “Having played in and experienced the Women’s Rugby World Cup, I know that these are great sporting events and have no doubt that the 2017 tournament in Ireland will be the best Women’s Rugby World Cup.”

The semi-finals will take place at the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast on Tuesday, August 22nd, with the final scheduled for Saturday, August 26th at the same venue.

By Paul O’Rourke