Julie-Ann Russell leading the charge for amateurs in Ireland

“I love fitness, moving and being outdoors,” said Russell, whose drought between her 60th and 61st cap against England in the summer was almost four years.

LEADING LIGHT: Julie-Ann Russell on international duty. Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

It helps the only amateur starter in the Ireland squad to embrace a professional regime.

Julie-Ann Russell proved domestic talent can cut it at international level when resuming her career in a green jersey in July.