Tullamore native's key role at World Cup as Dalton retains place

Clara's Aoife Dalton made her Women's Rugby World Cup debut as Ireland claimed an emphatic win over Japan in their opening game last Sunday.

Dalton started at outside centre in Ireland’s 42-14 victory at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton. Winning her 25th cap, former Tullamore RFC player Dalton was partnered in the centre by Eve Higgins.

Dalton has retained her place for Ireland's meeting against Spain on Sunday, with Franklin’s Gardens again the venue (kick-off 12pm).

But there is another strong Offaly connection to this year’s World Cup with Tullamore native Yvonne Nolan fulfilling the role of competition director. This means Nolan will be a key figure in trying to resolve any disputes that may arise at the tournament.

A former Leinster and Ireland player, Nolan represented her country in the World Cups of 2006 (held in Alberta, Canada, with many games played in Edmonton) and 2010 (hosted by England).

Nolan's role encompasses such aspects as foul play, disciplinary issues, anti-doping measures and player welfare issues.

Speaking about her role to the Irish Independent, Nolan said: “I have oversight of anything to do with the sport, the field of play, any rugby issues. It’s quite a wide remit but it sits separate to the event delivery side of the house and that sits with Sarah Massey who is managing director.”

Having previously worked as a litigation lawyer, Nolan began working with World Rugby, the sport’s overall governing body, 12 years ago. She progressed through the ranks with World Rugby and took on the role of General Counsel last year.

Considering her experience of playing in two World Cups, Nolan is well placed to assess the dramatic strides made by the women’s game since then.

“There definitely is a pinch yourself moment at times. Thinking back to when I played my first World Cup in 2006 and what that looked like compared to what we’re looking at today, it’s incomparable,” Nolan told the Irish Independent.

This year’s World Cup final, to be held at Twickenham next month, is set be played in front of 82,000 spectators in what will be the biggest ever attendance at a women’s rugby match.

“I think this one is going to be transformational. The level of interest in it, the level of attention, it’s ready to spark something,” Nolan said.

Interestingly, Nolan played for Old Belvedere RFC and Aoife Dalton is currently attached to the same Dublin club.

In Sunday’s World Cup opener against Japan, tries from Amee-Leigh Costigan, Neve Jones, Béibhinn Parsons and Fiona Tuite had the bonus point wrapped up before half-time, with further tries in the second half from Eve Higgins and Enya Breen.

It was Ireland’s first Women’s World Cup finals game in eight years, having missed out on the last tournament.

Ireland will play Spain in their second Pool C fixture this Sunday in Northampton (live on RTÉ2 and BBC Two), before facing defending champions New Zealand in Brighton on Sunday, September 7.

Ireland (vs Spain):

15. Stacey Flood (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)(21 caps)

14. Anna McGann (Railway Union RFC/Connacht)(12)

13. Aoife Dalton (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(25)

12. Eve Higgins (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)(29)

11. Amee-Leigh Costigan (Railway Union RFC/Munster)(20)

10. Dannah O’Brien (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(27)

9. Molly Scuffil-McCabe (Manawatū RFC/Leinster)(22)

1. Ellena Perry (Gloucester Hartpury/IQ Rugby)(2)

2. Clíodhna Moloney MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs)(46)

3. Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(49)

4. Eimear Corri-Fallon (Blackrock RFC/Leinster)(7)

5. Sam Monaghan (Gloucester Hartpury/IQ Rugby)(24)

6. Fiona Tuite (Old Belvedere RFC/Ulster)(18)

7. Claire Boles (Railway Union RFC/Ulster)(6)

8. Grace Moore (Trailfinders Women/IQ Rugby)(23).

Replacements: Neve Jones (Gloucester Hartpury)(38), Siobhán McCarthy (Railway Union RFC/Munster)(9), Sadhbh McGrath (Cooke RFC/Ulster)(17), Ruth Campbell (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(9), Brittany Hogan (Old Belvedere RFC/Ulster)(35), Emily Lane (Blackrock College RFC/Munster)(18), Enya Breen (Blackrock College RFC/Munster)(32), Nancy McGillivray (Exeter Chiefs/IQ Rugby)(1).