'We're looking to prove ourselves and we're going to annoy teams'

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Aisling Heapes is itching to get out on the pitch with her Ennis Rugby teammates, to prove themselves on the pitch. They are not going to be a pushover for any side across what is to be a momentous season for the club.

The second year UL Social Sciences student joins The Champion for a chat in a busy Ennis café during the lunch rush.

The 19-year-old back row forward is all smiles, belying her tough onfield self, and is full of enthusiasm as we chat about her rugby story so far. This includes playing for Kilrush RFC and Ennis Rugby, her recent experience in the Munster Rugby camp and how the preparations with Ennis have been going ahead of their debut AIL season, so there's a lot of ground to cover.

Aisling credits her dad for his role in getting her involved in rugby. Having watched Munster and Ireland games with him as a small girl she asked if she could play. He brought her to Kilrush RFC and that was it, she was hooked.

"Dad's been unbelievable, he drove me to all my trainings in Ennis, I don't think he's ever missed one of my club matches. Then with equipment, I don't know how many different types of gum shield he's gotten for me to try out.

"At Christmas I've gotten rugby balls, scrum caps and more. He's just been so supportive".

In fairness, all her family have been cheerleading for her she says. Her grandfather was involved for years with Cork club Sunday's Well and for the family to see her playing with Ennis last year in Musgrave Park, Munster's Cork headquarters and the home of Sunday's Well, was something that really resonated for them.

For Aisling rugby has been filled with challenges and opportunities; ones that she's met head on throughout her time in the sport.

She started out with Kilrush rugby at 13 years of age and was forced at that age to play up at U-16 level because Kilrush didn't have enough players for an U-14 side. Later Kilrush hadn't enough players for the U-16 squad and the club eventually joined forces with Ennis; another challenge in a new environment, but an opportunity to continue her rugby journey.

Four years on, having been a part of a very successful U-18.5 squad, Aisling is now an integral part of the Ennis Rugby...