Bandon RFC is delighted to announce that we will be fielding an U.14 girls' team for this coming season (2026-27). This seeks to build on the great work done in recent years at the Mini level (up to U.12) where girls and boys play together. Via our Youth Development Officer (YDO), the club has also been going to primary schools in our area to introduce girls and boys to rugby and has been hosting Primary School Blitzes in Old Chapel. In addition, at the start of the summer, the club hosted a series of Give It A try sessions for girls trying out rugby for the first time. 

A team has now come together under the management of Claire Whelton to continue this momentum and provide a sporting outlet for young teenage girls. Some girls who played Minis rugby with Bandon RFC have continued playing for Youths teams at other clubs, with Niamh and Lisa O'Mahony great examples of girls who have gone on to play for Munster. We hope in the future that girls can represent their province while continuing to play for Bandon RFC! 

The club's long-term is to create a strong and sustainable girls' and women's rugby presence in the club, and the new U.14 girls' team is a key step towards that broader goal.

Training for the U.14 Girls' squad starts next Saturday (September 5th) from 10AM to 11AM in Old Chapel. The U.14 squad is for girls born in 2013 and 2014. We welcome all girls, irrespective of whether they have played rugby in the past. Bandon RFC offers free Give It A Try membership for up to 8 weeks, which gives plenty of time for girls to try out the sport and see is it for them. If parents have questions, or are interested in supporting this exciting new development in the club, please contact Claire at claireawhelton@gmail.com.

#BeBlueBeBandon