“Covid-19 has impacted with impunity the entire world. The Emeralds wish to extend their condolences for any loss or suffering experienced through the pandemic within our own Club, the wider Rugby Community network, their families and friends. We look forward to a brighter and safer time ahead".

The Emeralds are delighted to return to play from March 30th 2021 and preparations are well under way for an exciting 2021/22 season. The pandemic upended all our lives in an unprecedented year but the Emeralds not only withstood the challenges mounted by Covid, they’ve grown in spirit and numbers. For season 2021/22 the 1st and 2nd XV Emeralds will compete in Championship 2 and National Championship 2 respectively.

Danny Webb is the newly appointed Emeralds Head Coach, serving his first few months under the pressure of a lockdown. Danny is an ex-player for Saracens, Bedford Blues, Clamart 92 (France), Mackey Stingers (Australia Queensland), Kettering RFC and the British Army where he currently serves. He has developed a wealth of Coaching experience and especially in the Women’s game since hanging up his own boots, He’s coached at international and premiership level with the Netherlands women’s team, Utrecht RFU ladies and Utrecht Barbarians 7s. Danny has also mentored International Players in England and France. He has a clear vision for the team and he has already added great value in the Emeralds environment. Danny says “I've learnt so much during my time working and coaching in the army and overseas and I'm really pumped and energised to bring my experience into the Emeralds and lead the team into a new exciting chapter”. "London Irish is where it's at for opportunity and progressive Womens rugby and I'm honoured to be part of their journey".

The coaching team has further expanded for the new season by welcoming two further key appointments, Marc Rees (Set Piece & Development Coach) and Will Thomas (Skills Coach), both serving in the British Army. Marc and Will introduce a diverse and extensive portfolio of performance rugby coaching, refereeing and mentoring experience. Hari McCormack is doubling as a Forwards Player Coach and her years of pulling on the Number 8 shirt for the Emeralds coupled with her experience as a Coach will be an invaluable asset to the set up. The key off field role of Team Manager is a final new appointment, Cedric Ahsam (AKA Ash). Ash joins us this season from the Military School of Engineering, and from where his Team Management experience is extensive. Alongside our skilled coaches, Abi Chamberlain (Defence Coach), Gerry Dolan (S&C) and Ryan Harrison (Physio) we enter the new season with a group of outstanding coaches in their own right and who collectively create a cohesive team that are primed and prepared for 2021/22.

We are delighted to announce our Club Captain for the new season, Sophie Messem. Sophie has served the Emeralds faithfully for the last 3 seasons and Captained the squad into a Championship promotion in 2019/20. Sophie brings a purpose, presence and passion to the Emeralds and is honoured to step up into a more strategic role where she will be pivotal in bringing young pathway players, new recruits, different cultures, personalities and aspirations together, and integrating and moulding these Players into a positive collective.

The “pause” button was pressed on our rugby by Covid. The Emeralds went from reaction to resilience very quickly and they come back with a focus and newly found regard and remit to enjoy the game even more, train even harder, compete without reservation and celebrate the spirit and camaraderie of the game like never before.

• Danny Webb: Head Coach & Attack Coach
• Cedric Ahsam: Team Manager
• Sophie Messem: Club Captain
• Abi Chamberlain: Defence Coach
• Gerry Dolan: Strength & Conditioning Coach
• Marc Reese: Set Piece & Development Coach
• Will Thomas: Skills Coach
• Hari McCormack: Forwards Player Coach
• Ryan Harrison: Team Physio

The Emeralds train Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings at Hazelwood, The home Of London Irish, Hazelwood Avenue, Sunbury upon Thames, TW16 6QU.
If you wish to know more about our Club or would like to join London Irish Ladies, please email Team Manager Ash or contact Mary Fyfe, DOR @ LILadiesDOR@gmail.com