Niall Earls appointed as Wicklow RFC captain

AT the WRFC AGM on Thursday night last Niall Earls was elected captain of Wicklow RFC for the coming season.

Earls who was capped for Ireland on several occasions at Under-18 level was proposed by outgoing captain Wes Wojnar. Wojnar has been an absolutely inspirational captain and led Wicklow RFC brilliantly over the last season to their historic first towns cup win. He is stepping down as club captain as he has opened a new business Wigoders Bray (a home decor, wall paper and hardware store).

The following officers were also elected: President: Larry Byrne; Vice President: Bert Nicholson; Chairman: Brian Clarke; Vice Chairman: Graham Burleigh; Honorary Secretary: Fiona Mitchell; Treasurer: Eddie Nolan; Director of Rugby: Jason Watson; Immediate Past President: Colin Kingston.

The following were elected onto the general committee: Gina Byrne, Ann Morrissey, Noel Greene, Peter Duffy, Stephen Clarke, Duncan Duke, Ciara McConnell.

President Larry Byrne expressed his pride in what the club achieved over the past season but reiterated that there would be “no sitting back on our laurels”.

He outlined just some of the goals for the coming season which included winning the Leinster League Division 1B and promotion to Division 1A, a strong defence of the Provincial Towns Cup, completion of the posts and netting on the bottom pitch and the fielding of a strong and competitive senior womens rugby team.

Pre-season training for the senior mens team will start in early July and new players are particularly welcome.

Wicklow senior ladies will also start training in July. With nine quality players coming through from the Under-18s girls this season and a high calibre coaching team in place already this will surely be the year when Wicklow Senior Ladies rugby takes off.

They are holding a meeting in the Forge at 8pm on June 20 for all of those who are interested in being involved in Womens senior rugby next season.

All past players and those interested in taking up the game are invited along to attend.