Rosemount's Kelly makes international rugby league debut

A "surreal" sporting moment, Rosemount native Emma Kelly donned the green jersey for the first time when making her debut for the Ireland women's rugby league team at the weekend.

The former Moate Community School student, who has also represented Leinster in the rugby union code, spoke of her pride at representing her country in a test match against France on Saturday.

"It was a proud and surreal moment standing to attention for 'Ireland's Call' and facing the Irish flag prior to the game on Saturday, one which I will certainly remember for a long time," Emma said.

Emma is relatively new to the sport, taking part in her inaugural rugby league camp with the national team in September last following an invitation from head coach Matty Kennerson.

While the core skills of both games are similar, Emma admits that rugby league is played at a faster pace and is a feature of the game to which she is adapting from her stand-off position.

"I play in the Number 6 role, essentially in the five-eighth or stand-off position, one of the two half backs on the team. It is a faster game than rugby union but having been at a number of weekend camps since September last I am getting up to speed," Emma said.

While the result did not go Ireland's way against France, the team still have aspirations to qualify for the Women's Rugby League World Cup in Brisbane next year.

"The team travels to Toronto in October and will play two games with the hope of winning both and progressing to the World Cup in Brisbane. We will be the highest ranked nation competing in Toronto so hopefully, I am named in the squad," Emma added.

With a momentary lull in rugby league competitive activity, Emma will now turn her attention to rugby union, the Old Belvedere RFC player hoping to be named in the Leinster squad for the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Series which starts on Sunday, August 10.

The reigning champions start their campaign with a home fixture against Ulster in Energia Park prior to the Finals Day which take place on Saturday, August 30, at the same venue.

The Leinster squad is named on Monday with Emma aiming to enhance her sporting prowess and play a pivotal role in the province's quest to retain their series title.