The Emeralds, undefeated and promoted for a second consecutive season, brave a punishing preseason and remain confident for the season ahead.

2017-18 and 2018-19 were fortuitous and successful for the London Irish Emeralds, 2 consecutive promotions on the bounce and NC2 league winners 2018-19. Enjoying great success on and off the field, we watched the fledgling Ladies & Girls section flourish and prosper over two short seasons and the aspirations for the coming season are equally ambitious. Always confident but never complacent, London Irish Ladies have secured a formidable and experienced coaching team to elevate our player development and talent profile and continue to retain that top spot we are becoming accustomed to. The challenge is great, the desire is even greater.

We introduce Anthony Braithwaite as our new Head Coach for season 2019-20. Ant is suitably experienced and visionary to take the Emeralds to the next stage of their journey. Ant is a Level 3 Coach, the Assistant Head of Rugby at Reeds School and the Denmark Rugby Union - National Women’s Sevens Coach. Anthony brings an international flair but more importantly, a passion and shared aspiration to make London Irish Ladies the landmark name in Surrey and the UK. Alongside Ant is Gerry Dolan, our new Assistant Head Coach and Head of S&C. Gerry is a Level 2 coach and an experienced S&C expert who runs his own professional PT and S&C company. Paul Fyfe, is retiring from the Head Coach position after 2 successful seasons but gratefully we retain Paul as our Backs & Defence Coach and Paul Charles will remain in place as our Forwards & Scrum Coach.

The management team and Coaches are busy in preseason preparations as we look head to the first league game away V Ashford Ladies on September 8th. This season promises tough opposition and some challenging rugby as we push for Championship 2. There will be plenty of opportunity to socialise and travel in support of the Emeralds, including our double header home & away with Guernsey RFC with our own Wild Geese, the home game for both teams v Guernsey is October 12th 2019 and away January 25th 2020.
We look forward to continuing club and community support and growing membership. If you, or anyone you know, wishes to join London Irish Ladies RFC, please email our Team Manager @ https://www.liarfc.co.uk/teams/208852/the-team