Gareth Steenson Finds New Energy Coaching Ireland Women's Rugby for Six Nations

Gareth Steenson, former Exeter Chiefs player, is now the kicking coach for Ireland's women's rugby team. He says he has 'loved' the role and feels a 'resurgence of energy' as the team prepares for the Six Nations.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby |

Gareth Steenson, the former Exeter Chiefs out-half, is reporting a "resurgence of energy" and a "release of life" from his current role as kicking coach for the Ireland women's rugby squad. This renewed vigor comes as the team gears up for the Six Nations championship.

Steenson, appointed to the dedicated kicking coach position last summer, describes his experience as "really exciting" and something he has "loved." He notes the team has "come a long way" since their loss to Canada in WXV1 last year, with an eye towards improved performance in the upcoming Six Nations, especially when compared to the two wins achieved in the previous year's tournament. He indicates that the squad is showing signs of being "on the up."

Kicking Game Evolution

The coach has been actively working on refining the team's kicking game. He highlights the development of younger players, mentioning a 21-year-old fly-half who possesses a varied skill set. Steenson's philosophy appears to center on creating opportunities and ensuring players feel confident, believing that "If you feel good – you play good."

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Squad Dynamics and Challenges

Steenson's perspective on coaching is informed by his own playing career, which included captaincy, being dropped, and dealing with injuries. He acknowledges significant absences from the squad, such as Costigan, who captained Ireland in past matches and scored tries in a World Cup final appearance. Steenson also touches upon the uncertainty surrounding player availability, noting one player's potential return to the field after recent training sessions, with the expectation she'll be available for selection.

Broader Coaching Context

The coaching setup for the Ireland women's squad has seen changes, with Steenson joining a trio of coaches including Hugh Hogan and Alex Codling. This appointment marked the first time the national women's team had a dedicated kicking coach. Steenson, who previously played underage for Ireland and achieved success in top-tier club rugby, now finds himself immersed in international coaching.

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The timing of these reflections coincides with discussions about the future of rugby, including the potential impact of Johnny Sexton's new role on coaching dynamics. Steenson himself has spent 13 years at Exeter. There's also the prospect of returning to his former club's ground, Sandy Park, for a World Cup quarter-final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Gareth Steenson's new role with the Ireland women's rugby squad?
Gareth Steenson has taken on the role of kicking coach for the Ireland women's rugby team. He was appointed last summer and finds the position very exciting and fulfilling.
Q: How does Gareth Steenson feel about coaching the Ireland women's rugby team?
Steenson reports a 'resurgence of energy' and a 'release of life' from his coaching role. He describes the experience as 'really exciting' and something he has 'loved'.
Q: What are the team's goals for the upcoming Six Nations championship?
The team is preparing for the Six Nations championship and aims for improved performance. Steenson believes the squad is showing signs of progress and is 'on the up'.
Q: What specific areas is Steenson working on with the team?
Steenson is focused on refining the team's kicking game and developing younger players. His coaching philosophy emphasizes creating opportunities and building player confidence.
Q: Are there any key players missing from the squad?
Yes, there are significant absences, including players who have captained Ireland and played in major tournaments. Steenson also noted uncertainty about the availability of some players.