Sadhbh McGrath is a name to remember in Irish rugby. At just 19 years old, she's already made a significant impact on the sport, having had a chance captaining the Clovers to their first victory against Brython Thunder, and representing Ireland on the international stage. Her journey from Gaelic games to the front row of the scrum is an inspiring one, filled with dedication, support, and a love for the game.
McGrath's introduction to rugby came through her father's encouragement. Despite years of watching the sport, it was only after attending a "Give It a Try" event at City of Derry RFC, that she discovered her passion for the game. "I always played Camogie and Gaelic when I was younger, that was my thing," she says, "but for years my dad encouraged me to play \[rugby\]. Then we saw there was a Give It a Try event and something clicked, I just loved it."
Her GAA background proved beneficial to Sadhbh. "I think there's a lot of transferable skills," she reflects, "and it was nice. I always loved the community of sports and so for me, joining a rugby club was just another community that I could have the craic with."
Her journey through the Ulster underage system was a turning point. "I never really took rugby seriously until I went to the U18 Ulster trials," McGrath admits. "That's when it dawned on me, actually rugby is something I really want to pursue and be a part of."
Playing alongside senior players like Beth Cregan fueled her motivation. "We always used to train on the top half of the pitch," she recalls, "and the senior women trained at the bottom half, and I always looked down at them in awe, just wanting to be one of them. Beth Cregan was my biggest role model."
McGrath's coaches also played a crucial role in her development. "Having a coach like Pops \[Neil Alcorn\], someone who is always in your corner and always has your best interests, it gives you that confidence to go for it," she says.
Last year was a whirlwind for McGrath. She made her Senior Ulster debut, earned her first Ireland cap, was named Deloitte Young Women’s Player of the Year, and was rewarded with a professional contract with the IRFU, all while completing her Leaving Certificate exams. "I suppose it was just what was happening at the time," she says modestly, "I really enjoyed that year and I didn't really expect all of that to happen."
Captaining the Clovers in the Celtic Challenge was another significant milestone. "It felt really nice for Dennis to believe in me," she reflects. "It was a big moment to be able to step into \[Dorothy Wall's\] shoes whilst she was out."
McGrath acknowledges the importance of such competitions for development. "The biggest thing for me was I wanted loads of reps in the scrum," she explains. "Those girls \[in the Clovers\] were amazing and I had so much fun, I'd go back in a heartbeat."
Looking back at her rapid rise, McGrath acknowledges the unwavering support of her dad. "Being from Donegal, I'm not really close to any rugby," she says, "but \[my dad\] would drive me to training. We would go to Belfast three times a week."
When asked about her other inspirations, McGrath mentions several figures who have helped her along the way. "One of the main ones would have been Beth Cregan.” she says, “She was a huge role model to me and she took me under her wing and taught me everything she knew. I also think Becky Irvine was really instrumental in my time in the U18 Ulster team, as well as Pops and Diesel (Paul Heasley). I think senior men’s player Eric O’Sullivan has really helped me with my scrum technique, and my time being coached by Dennis Fogarty with the Clovers was invaluable, his knowledge is amazing."
This year's Women's Six Nations holds even more promise for McGrath. "I always want to go out and train and show what I can do," she says. "I think it never gets easier in terms of nerves, but I really enjoy it and it is always an honour to be included in the squad."
Looking forward to the upcoming competition, Sadhbh remarks on how crucial the preparation of mindset is. "We do a lot of work on our mindset and I suppose it's just important that you back yourself," she says. "The coaching staff are brilliant. I feel us all having that one shared goal really helps."
For aspiring young players, McGrath's advice is simple: "Just try and enjoy yourself and savour the moment... I think all you can do is enjoy yourself and know you are giving 100% effort."
Sadhbh McGrath's story is far from over. With her dedication, talent, and positive attitude, she is sure to continue inspiring the next generation of Ulster and Irish rugby players.
Be a part of the action at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday 27 April 2024 with a day ticket to watch Sadhbh and the rest of Ireland take on Scotland in the Guinness Women's Six Nations, followed by the finale of the province's Women's Junior Cup. For tickets starting from £10, visit here.
