Newport Rugby Headed to Ireland

On Monday, April 16, the Newport Rugby Football Club (RFC) will be traveling to Ireland with a 51 man group to embark on a tour that is sure to be remembered for years to come. 

The journey will take Newport RFC from Dublin to Kinsale and points in between.

While in Dublin and Kinsale, Newport RFC will be taking part in international matches against two prestigious rugby clubs, Monkstown FC from Dublin and Kinsale RFC from Kinsale, County Cork. 

In addition to the two rugby matches Newport RFC will take part in a professionally run practice session with current Irish National Coaches in Dublin.  In Kinsale, Newport RFC looks forward to defending the "Paul Crowley Cup" against Kinsale RFC. 

The coveted trophy was named after State Representative Paul Crowley who passed away in 2007.  Paul was one of the driving forces behind the twinning of Kinsale, Ireland and the city of Newport as well as one of Newport Rugby's biggest supporters.  This will be the third time that Newport and Kinsale have faced each other with the home team winning each of the previous meetings. 

The first match took place in 1999 in Kinsale and the second took place in Newport in 2009.  This trip will help to continue and further grow the twinning between Newport and Kinsale that was established with the help from Paul Crowley many years ago.  

Newport RFC will host their final practice in preparation of their Ireland Tour, on Saturday, April 14, at 10:30 am, at Fort Adams State Park.