The Wolfhounds are one of the team’s representing Ireland in the Celtic Challenge. The Irish wolfhound has been recorded for centuries in mythology as well as in official records and is considered a national symbol of Ireland.
The Wolfhounds are mainly comprised of players from the Irish provinces of Leinster and Ulster. The players will come from the Ireland national team, from the Irish Women’s National Talent Squad (WNTS) pathway and also players identified from the Interprovincial Series and the Energia Women’s All Ireland League. In an effort to develop depth for the national team, on occasion players from Connacht and Munster (the other Irish provinces) will join the Wolfhounds. The WNTS is structured around centres of excellence at the University of Galway, Atlantic Technological University Sligo, Dublin City University, Southeast Technological University Carlow, University of Limerick, and Queen’s University in Belfast.
The head coach for the Wolfhounds is Neill Alcorn, who is the WNTS Coach for Ulster. Joining Alcorn as assistant coaches will be Maz Reilly, ex Irish international and World Rugby intern who recently was with the Women’s National Team at the WXV1 tournament in Vancouver, and Ben Martin, the ex-Australian international who has coached many All-Ireland League sides.
Wolfhounds Head Coach Alcorn said:
“The recent release of the new Strategy for Rugby in Ireland clearly demonstrates that the Women’s game is a huge priority for the IRFU so we are delighted with the expanded format of the Celtic Challenge for this season. Last year’s tournament saw some exciting players emerge such as Katie Corrigan who went on to get her international cap during 6 Nations last year. We are hoping more players can follow Katie’s path while the Wolfhounds challenge for the Celtic Challenge again.”
