The Emerald Warriors are set to make Irish rugby history with what is believed to be the country's first competitive womens+ LGBTQ+ dedicated team ahead of the upcoming season.
The club market themselves as Ireland's first LGBTQ+ inclusive rugby team, and the entry of their "Azure" team (the Women+ side) into Leinster Women's Division 5 marks a massive step forward for inclusion in rugby in Ireland.
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Emerald Warriors to field first women+ team in Leinster Division 5
Each of the Emerald Warriors' teams are assigned to a shade of green or blue, and the "Azure" team are set to become the first Women+ team to compete in the Leinster rugby system this season, entering in Division 5. The entry into the Leinster league follows a successful trial appearance at the popular Union Cup earlier this year in Birmingham.
The Emerald Warriors Azure team at the Midland Midnight 7s (Photo: Fargos Photos)
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Speaking ahead of the start of the season, Emerald Warriors Azure captain Jess Elmes spoke on what the step forward means for the Azures, and pushed fans to continue to work to new heights:
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.
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 also commented on the entry of the Azure team into the Leinster league system, just eight months on from the establishment of the team:
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.
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.
The Emerald Warriors Azure team will get their Leinster Division 5 campaign underway on Sunday September 17th, with kick-off against St. Mary's College RFC at the High School at 1pm.
Featured image: Fargos Photos
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