Who we are
We were founded in 2015 as Blessington RFC where the club grew around one town. As the only club in West Wicklow, Blessington RFC gradually outgrew its name. Having players coming from every town and village from Baltinglass to Brittas.
In 2026, what was formerly Blessington RFC, became West Wicklow RFC. A name and identity fitting to the community we truly represent. West Wicklow RFC is the embodiment of the natural growth of rugby in the area, with a renewed focus on the community within it.
West Wicklow RFC is more than a local club. We are part of the national IRFU and Leinster Rugby network, competing and developing talent as we engage communities across the region.
This is West Wicklow RFC. The Home of Rugby in West Wicklow
CLub History
In 2015 Blessington RFC was started after a conversation with some parents & ex rugby players who saw the need for rugby to be played in Blessington. It started in St Kevin's Hall in blessington (video attached) with 3 coaches & many enthusiastic young children.
They progressed out to the grass area on week 2 and never looked back! Word spread as more children joined and more parents were "volunteered” to assist. Some of those parents are still now coaching!
The little grass area in St Kevin's hall became too small after 2 years but we were lucky enough to be accepted to play in the beautiful surroundings of Russborough House which has became our home grounds.
We started with U8s & U9s and from there the club has gone from strength to strength.
April 2019 a parent was quoted as saying "a good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life". Great philosophy to have.
October 2020 "Give it a try" in conjunction with Leinster Rugby was run in Russborough for "Girls only". Girls can play mixed rugby up until U12 then they have to move away. The give it a try was a great recruitment drive to get more girls into the club.
In February 2022 The club put out the first ever "Girls Only" teams in the North Kildare Girls only Blitz in Cill Dara RFC. U12s & U10s. Both had wins. Great play by all. The girls teams continued to play in Girls only minis blitzs in 2022 & 2023 at U10s and U12s they did everyone proud! More to the point they had fun.
Sept 2024 we had our 1st youths Girls team competing at 14s level. They had their 1st North Midlands league match in Oct 2023 with the U12s girls continuing with girls only blitzs. The U14s girls won their 1st ever league match. Numbers kept growing & the U14s girls received the very 1st Leinster medals of the club by coming top of their group in the league. Not bad for 1st year of playing girls only rugby. Their 1st season in the Cup matches they reached the quarter finals in the plate competition with a win. The numbers of the squad continued to grow throughout the season with numbers growing in U10s & U12s also.
October 2024 we had an open fun day in the club where we had a visit from Olympic 7s Rugby player Erin King who took part on the warm up with the U14s girls pre their match. She has been such an I aspiration to all girls who play rugby but especially those in our club.
In October 2024 there was the 1st ever boys rugby team from Blessington Community College lead by the then President of the club Trevor Burns.
In April 2025 there was the 1st ever Girls rugby team to from Blessington Community College, again coached by a coach from the club.
Girls Rugby History
Some historical articles:
Frequently asked questions:
"Will they get hurt?"
"They have never played."
"Are they too small?"
"Is it only for boys?"
"Do I have to volunteer?"
Mini rugby is non contact. Contact is introduced gradually and only at the age grades the IRFU allows, taught properly, by coaches trained to teach it. The tackle technique work is not optional at this club.
Neither had most of the squad, and the same is likely true for half the coaches.
Rubgy has positions suitable for all shapes and sizes of kids.
No. We have girls playing right through the age grades. Girls are not a side project here.
No of course not. You are very welcome to, and we will show you how, but there is no obligation.
If we’ve missed one please don’t hesitate to contact us.