Navan RFC's development of their facilities was one of the subjects that was mentioned at the club's AGM. Of particular note is the development of the Oakleigh area. The land has been levelled and, thanks to a strong volunteer effort to clear stones, is almost ready for seeding this summer.

Navan RFC reflect on a season of both progress and challenge

Club hold AGM in centenary year

Published: Mon 9 Jun 2025, 3:32 PM

Last updated: Mon 9 Jun 2025, 3:36 PM

Craig Williamson

The 96th Annual General Meeting of Navan Rugby Football Club took place on Thursday, 5th June 2025 in the Long Bar of the Balreask Old clubhouse, bringing together club members to review a season of both progress and challenge.

Season Summary & Rugby Highlights

Outgoing club chairman Brendan Farrell opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and presenting a comprehensive summary of the club’s adult rugby activity over the 2024/25 season.

In a standout year, Navan RFC fielded nine adult teams, including—for the first time ever—a Women’s 3rd XV and an u-20 women’s XV, marking a significant milestone not only for the club but for Irish club rugby as a whole.

On the pitch, results were mixed. The men’s 1st XV suffered relegation from Division 2A to Division 2B of the Energia All-Ireland League. In contrast, the Women’s 1st XV celebrated their second consecutive promotion, securing a place in Leinster Women’s Division 1 for the upcoming season.

Navan RFC's outgoing club president Scott Ennis presents the club Persons of the Year award to Gwen Searle & Deirdre Cullivan (Photo by Scott Ennis) at the club recent awards night.

Leadership and Coaching Changes

Looking to rebuild and realign, Navan RFC announced that former club out-half and assistant coach Ryan Roberts will step in as head coach of both the men’s 1st XV and J1/2nd XV squads for the 2025/26 season. He will be supported by a newly established Club Rugby Committee, tasked with overseeing adult rugby operations and nurturing talent from within the club’s youth system.

Niall Welsh will assume the role of Director of Rugby on an interim basis.

Tributes were paid to Jason Harris-Wright, the outgoing men’s head coach, who moves on to a new role within Leinster Rugby’s u-19 structures. The club also announced Conor O’Sullivan as the new men’s u-20 coach, and a recruitment process is underway for a

Strength & Conditioning coach to be in place by pre-season.

Aoife Ryan is presented with the Navan RFC Club Player of the Year (In Memory of Pete Hogan) by Conor Ryan alongside incoming Club President Eddie Lyons (*Photo: Joan Spillane).*

Captains’ Reflections

Both first team captains addressed the AGM. Men’s captain Evan Dixon spoke candidly about the challenges faced during the season, including a high turnover of players due to retirements, transfers, and travel breaks—factors that significantly impacted pre-season preparation and squad consistency.

Women’s captain Aoife Ryan reflected on a season of exceptional growth and achievement, with both the first and second women’s XVs earning promotion.

The club’s ability to field a third women’s XV and an u-20 women’s XV—a first in Irish club rugby—was attributed to the impressive turnout of over 70 players at training sessions throughout the year.

Edwina Connor has been elected chairperson of the Leinster Youth Committee for the 2025/26 season. Edwina was pictured at Navan RFC's recent awards night with outgoing Navan RFC Club President Scott Ennis and Paul Power *(Photo by Scott Ennis).*

Facilities & Grounds Development

Members also received an update on infrastructure projects at Balreask Old. Of particular note is the development of the Oakleigh area. The land has been levelled and, thanks to a strong volunteer effort to clear stones, is almost ready for seeding this summer.

In further investment, the club has purchased a seeding machine for ongoing pitch maintenance. This will assist with extensive repair work and rejuvenation of all existing playing surfaces during the off-season.

Executive Committee & Recognitions

Incoming Club President Eddie Lyons paid tribute to his predecessor Scott Ennis, and to outgoing executive members Brendan Farrell, Paul McEvoy, David Cullivan, John Coen, and Evan Dixon for their years of service.

A special congratulation was extended to Philip Brady, Club Trustee and Navan’s representative to the Leinster Branch, on his election as Junior Vice-President of Leinster Rugby.

Navan RFC Executive Committee 2025/26:

● Club President: Eddie Lyons

● Deputy President: Spencer Vodden

● Club Chairman: Stephen Mackarel

● Honorary Secretary: Gerry Sweeney

● Honorary Treasurer: Darra MacNamara

● Premises & Grounds: Terence Kavanagh

● Marketing: Jeff Murrells

● Director of Rugby: Niall Welsh (Interim)

● Club Captain: Conor Hand

● Women’s Rugby: Nour Khairy

● Youth Coordinator: Jane McSherry