Molly makes history for Buccaneers

Molly Copelin made history for Buccaneers Touch Rugby over the weekend, becoming the first ever Open Grade international player for the club.

She played eight matches in the Link position for the Ireland Women’s Open team at the European Opens Cup in Calvisano, Italy, impressing throughout with her strong defensive play. She also managed to get on the scoresheet with a try against the host nation during their 9-1 victory.

Overall, it was a tough tournament for Ireland as they suffered several injuries during the competition. Nevertheless, they still managed to fight their way to sixth place with victories over the Netherlands, Italy and the Netherlands again.

This experience will have been invaluable for them ahead of next year's European Touch Championships.

Molly has been playing Touch since 2022 and previously played at Mixed 15s and Mixed 18s levels for Ireland in 2023 and 2024, winning a European bronze medal last year. She has also been a stalwart for Buccaneers Touch over the last three years, alongside her brothers Cian, Ryan and Finn, and deserves great credit for this achievement.

Congratulations to the Ireland Men's Open team who won bronze in Calvisano, beating England Phoenix 8-6.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers Men's Touch Rugby team made the short trip to Oranmore on Saturday last to take on neighbours Racoon West (RW) in the Men’s League Division One.

Buccs started strongly, pinning down the home side on their own line for an extended period but they couldn’t get a score. RW took advantage and built up a 2-0 lead but Buccs fought back to level it, 2-2, at the break with tries from Cian Copelin and Jack Gordon.

The Racoons upped the ante after the break. They had built up a 5-2 lead before Buccs fought back once more with tries from Jack and Ben Wolfe. However, the home side sealed victory with a late try.

Both sides showed plenty of rustiness, having not played together for months but they will have been glad of the hit-out despite the wet conditions.

Best for Buccs were Anthony Quinn, Jack Gordon and Ryan Copelin.

Buccaneers Touch: Paul Gavin, Ben Wolfe, Jack Gordon, Cian Copelin, Ryan Copelin, Finn Copelin, Anthony Quinn, Oisín Moran, Jack Delaney, Denis Delaney, Denis O’Connor, Gustavs Mitenbergs, Feidhlim Byrne.

Referees: Laura Gaffney, Nicola Corcoran (both Racoon West).