The IRFU and Canterbury of New Zealand, official kit partner to Irish Rugby, have partnered to launch the Give It A Try programme – a rugby programme for girls aged 8 to 14 to learn how to play rugby in a safe and fun environment.

The launch follows research conducted amongst the women’s national team showing that over 60% of the Irish Women’s team only started playing rugby at the age of 16 or older.

The survey also reveals that, because of programmes such as Give It A Try, 97% of the women’s national team said there are more opportunities to play rugby compared to when they took up the sport. 90% of the squad participated in sports summer camps in their youth.

Irish rugby stars Dorothy Wall, Eve Higgins and Neve Jones were on hand for the launch of the programme.

Sean Kavanagh, Global Director of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship at Canterbury, says: “Give It A Try has been a major success over the past few years, and we are committed to supporting the IRFU in giving girls the opportunity to play the game and follow in their heroes’ footsteps. As this survey shows, it’s never too late to get into rugby but Give It A Try gives young female athletes a chance to fall in love with the sport from an early age.”

IRFU Women’s Development Manager Amanda Greensmith says: “The growth of grassroots women’s rugby is of the utmost importance to the IRFU and the Give it A Try programme is an integral part of this process. Our partnership with Canterbury represents a great opportunity for young girls to try rugby and hopefully begin a lifelong love affair with the sport.”

Ireland Women’s back row, Dorothy Wall, says: “The Give It A Try programme is a fantastic way to for young girls to learn the skills of the game in a fun and safe environment. There is a place for everyone in our game and I would encourage all girls to give it a try.”

Clubs can obtain more info or register to host the Canterbury Give It A Try programme here.