Connor and Searle look to make mark in Six Nations campaign
Navan duo answer Ireland's call
Craig Williamson
Navan RFC extends its congratulations to players Alex Connor and Rosie Searle who were selected for the Irish u-21 squad for the inaugural Six Nations campaign at that level.
Both players have been involved in an extended Ireland training panel in recent months, taking part in a series of camps at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin, as well as featuring in a recent uncapped challenge match against Canada u-20s.
The call-up caps a superb 12 months for Searle, who has progressed through the minis and youth ranks at Navan RFC. Last summer, she represented Ireland Women’s u--20s at the Six Nations u-20 Festival in North Wales, before making her senior Leinster debut in the Women’s Interprovincial Championship.
In December, Searle was named in the extended squad for the Clovers at the beginning of the Celtic Challenge and has since featured in every match-day squad during their run to last weekend’s final.
Connor’s selection marks another significant milestone in her continued development. A former Leinster u-18 captain and North-East representative, she has consistently impressed at every level.
Her performances were recognised last season when she was named Navan RFC’s u-18 Girls Players’ Player of the Year.
During the summer, Connor was included in Leinster Rugby’s extended senior women’s training squad ahead of the Interprovincial Championship.
Although she narrowly missed out on final selection, she continued her progress through the IRFU National Talent squad programme.
This season, Connor has established herself as a key figure in Navan’s Women’s 1st XV, delivering consistently strong performances in Leinster Women’s Div 1.
Her form was further rewarded with her debut for the Wolfhounds in the Celtic Challenge, where she has continued to impress and could line out opposite Searle in this weekend’s final in Edinburgh.
The newly introduced Women’s u-21 Six Nations series represents an evolution of the previous u-20 Summer Series, with a more competitive structure designed to mirror the demands of elite international rugby.
Over the 2026 and 2027 seasons, teams will play a series of home and away fixtures, offering players valuable experience of travel, preparation and match intensity at a higher level.
While squads will primarily consist of u-21 players, a limited number of over-age players up to 23 will also be eligible, broadening opportunities along the development pathway toward senior international rugby.
In a further link between pathway and elite competitions, the opening round of the u-21 series will align with the Women’s Six Nations, creating double-header match weekends in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Galway.
The continued progression of both Connor and Searle is a testament to the strength of Navan RFC’s player pathway. Their achievements reflect not only their own dedication and commitment, but also the support structures within the club that continue to nurture talent from minis through to senior level.
Both players remain an inspiration to the next generation at Navan.