Rugby
Peat: We need games to develop our players
Daire Walsh
Lindsay Peat believes the Ireland women’s rugby team need to play more competitive games on an annual basis.
Following Sunday’s Six Nations tie with Wales in Cardiff Arms Park, Adam Griggs’ charges aren’t due to play until November at the earliest.
Peat said: “It can’t go on the way it is. How do you get young girls to make mistakes? You have to pitch yourself against the best. I’m a believer in learning from mistakes. They’re often embarrassing and frustrating but you’d hope we have the mentality to never make that mistake again. We’re just not getting the opportunity to do it now. We need a summer series or even a short mini-tournament.”
In spite of these frustrations, however, Peat is adamant a strong collective bond can help the squad to work through this rough patch.
The former Dublin GAA star – who enjoyed fleeting appearances in defeats to Italy and France – is line for her first start of the tournament on Sunday.
“We’re here as a collective and we stand up and right the wrongs we’ve made. The atmosphere was good [after France last Saturday], there was about 20 of us in a hotel room drinking cups of tea. I’m hoping that camaraderie and belief stick with us.
“The focus is on making the squad for Wales and make sure we get a win. Especially on Paddy’s Day. It’s in our DNA to make sure it’s a good day.”