Top local rugby talent shines for Irish rugby teams in weekend Six Nations action

LAST weekend was a monumental one for Connacht rugby on the international stage with some of the province’s brightest young stars in mens and women’s rugby coming to the fore in the green of Ireland.

The delayed Six Nations competition might well feel strange and out of place, but once the ball was kicked off in both home games against Italy, the rugby was the same as it ever was and that’s a welcome relief for supporters in these tricky times.

Ireland won both games. The women are no longer in the hunt for a title as England have secured the crown but the push for a strong finish to 2020 is driving the group on and on Saturday at Donnybrook, Connacht interprovincial stars Nichola Fryday, Laura Feely and Beibhinn Parsons all had their chance to play a part in the drama while Galwegian Claire Molloy stole the show with a stunning display.

All of that came on the same day that four of Connacht’s seven Irish men’s squad members saw action in Andy Farrell’s side’s 50-19 home win over Italy at the Aviva Stadium. Bundee Aki started while Dave Heffernan, Finaly Bealham and Ultan Dillane made a big impact from the bench. When you combine those stories with Connacht’s bonus point win over in Edinburgh, it was certainly a weekend to remember.

Let’s start with the women who came from behind to beat Italy 21-7 for their second win in this season’s elongated Six Nations and while young Ballinasloe native Parsons continues to be impressive and lightning quick on the wing, the stand out Connacht story from that display was the performance of Claire Molloy, who much like Robbie Henshaw, might not be in the green of Connacht anymore but is still a star from the region all the same.

The stats from Molloy’s performance in the number seven jersey were extraordinary. A total of 31 tackles, two turnovers, 10 carries for 52 metres of gains with four defenders beaten, and an all important try thrown in for good measure. All this despite the fact that she was only just back in full training in the last few weeks after taking time off to focus on her medical studies.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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