“Seeing those young girls coming up would instil a lot of faith in you.” Having heard for long enough how the Irish women’s side are starting from the bottom and looking to make the climb, Maeve Og O’Leary and her teammates are eager for the WXV to get going. While the men’s national side are […]

2 years ago

“It was phenomenal… it was really rewarding to see what collaboration looks like.” As most of us were recovering from the Christmas festivities, Sene Naoupu and Leinster headed to London for first ever women’s club match played at Twickenham. Following Harlequins’ 30-30 draw with Leicester, their women’s side took on Leinster in front of a crowd […]

6 years ago

“It took a bit of time to muster up the courage to share that story.” In 2009, Sene Naoupu moved from her native New Zealand to Ireland. The supremely talented athlete made Galway her home, quickly establishing herself as one of the most distinguished and influential rugby players in the country. Starting playing for Connaught, Sene […]

7 years ago

Sene Naoupu is a lot of different things to a lot different people.  Touch player. Sevens player. Leinster player. Ireland captain. MD of SportsGaff. Ambassador. Barbarian. Barbarian is the latest honour bestowed on a player who is many respects has seen it all and done it all but she is still very much refreshed by […]

7 years ago

“It has been an amazing journey so far, and a massive honour to captain Ireland.” Sene Naoupu was 25 when she packed up with her husband, George, and fly out from New Zealand to settle in Galway. George had been offered a dream opportunity to play professional rugby in Japan when Kolbeco Steelers signed him from […]

7 years ago

The Kiwi is gunning for championship glory in her first season

11 years ago