Bourke’s steep learning curve

GILLIAN BOURKE only took up rugby in college in 2003; even then, she didn’t learn to scrummage until joining up with Connacht soon after.

Yet tomorrow, the 25-year-old prop hopes to be part of an Irish side that bid to upset hosts England at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Surrey.

In most other codes, her progression would be something of a sporting oddity. But it’s not unusual for the Irish women’s side, many of whom only took up the game for the first time at third level.