Clovers
Overview
The Clovers represent Ireland in the Celtic Challenge, drawing talent primarily from the provinces of Munster and Connacht. Established in 2023 by the Irish Rugby Football Union, the Clovers has become a proving ground for many Irish Internationals in their Senior & Pathway teams. Home fixtures are hosted at Donnybrook Stadium in Dublin and Musgrave Park in Cork.
Coaching Team
Head Coach: Denis Fogarty
Denis Fogarty, the scrum coach for the Ireland Women’s National Team, leads the Clovers as head coach. He is supported by assistant coaches Larissa Muldoon and Leah Lyons, both former Irish internationals. Muldoon also serves as the Women’s National Talent Squad coach for Connacht.
2024/25 Squad
The Clovers’ squad comprises players from the Ireland national team, the Irish Women’s National Talent Squad (WNTS) pathway, and standout performers from the Interprovincial Series and the Energia Women’s All-Ireland League. While the team primarily features talent from Munster and Connacht, players from Leinster and Ulster also contribute to the squad’s depth.
Leadership
The Clovers’ captaincy during the 2024/25 Celtic Challenge season was shared between Enya Breen and Amee-Leigh Costigan.
- Enya Breen, representing Munster and Ireland, was appointed as the Clovers’ captain at the start of the season. She led the team in several matches, including the opening fixture against the Wolfhounds.
- Amee-Leigh Costigan (née Murphy Crowe), from Railway Union and Munster, also captained the Clovers in multiple games. She stepped in as captain when Breen was rested, such as in the match against Edinburgh Rugby in Round 9.
This shared leadership approach allowed the Clovers to benefit from the experience and skills of both players throughout the season.
