In 2013 Wicklow RFC girls were the first U-18 girls rugby team to tour outside Ireland when they toured Wales.

Building on this successful tour this year the Wicklow girls will once again lead the way by being the first Irish female club team to tour outside of Europe.

In August a touring party of 54 players, coaches and supporters will set forth from Wicklow on a historic trip to Canada when they fly to Toronto for 12 days.

They will play three Canadian club teams and sample the friendship and hospitality that these clubs have to offer. They will also visit Niagara Falls for a game.

The trip has come about due to a strong link between Wicklow RFC and the Canadian Union.

Wicklow have had the pleasure of hosting Canadian visitors for the last three years. We had the visit of Doyle Town followed by Walnut Grove and Regiopolis Notre Dame. These events have been very successful and broadened the girls' playing horizons.

"We thought to ourselves, the distance from Wicklow to Canada is the same as Canada to Wicklow so why not try!" said coach Ronan Griffey.

The girls have raised funds by organising family fun days, discos, midsummer ball, table quizzes, car boot sales, calendar, clothes recycling, Christmas tree recycling and a New Year's Day plunge in Wicklow harbour, with more events planned for the future.

The girls and coaches are very thankful to all the people in the local community for their continued support and assistance in fund raising which has been fantastic, without their encouragement for this ground-breaking tour, it would not be going ahead.

A number of fund-raising events are planned over the next few months to help the girls fulfil their dream and get them to Canada.

Sponsors are welcome to come on board; a great marketing opportunity awaits them. If you are interested in getting involved please get in touch via Wicklow RFC.

Irish Independent