Patient Robyn O’Connor the latest gem in exciting Ireland pipeline

The Old Belvedere wing has had to wait for her opportunity at Test level having signed a central professional contract with the IRFU in 2024.

Ireland's Robyn O’Connor celebrates with Aoife Dalton, Béibhinn Parsons and Emily Lane after she scores a try against Italy. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Robyn O’Connor announced herself on the international stage in style with a try on  her Ireland debut against Italy, the latest example of a blossoming pipeline of young talent that bodes well for the nation’s World Cup hopes in 2029.

Yet while the Old Belvedere wing is only 20, she has had to be more than patient to get her opportunity at Test level having signed a central professional contract with the IRFU in 2024. O’Connor, who started her rugby journey at Wexford Wanderers, has made impressive progress through the ranks from club to provincial to Celtic Challenge and also a spell with Ireland Sevens to her current status as the "pocket rocket" in Scott Bemand’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations squad now preparing to face France in Clermont this Saturday.