Naas vs Queens_Match Day Programme_28Feb

ENERGIA ALL IRELAND LEAGUE – DIVISION 1B

VS NAAS RFC Saturday 28 February 2026 Forenaughts, Naas, Co Kildare Kick-Off: 14:30 Match Referee: George Clancy

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE On behalf of Naas Rugby Club, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all and in particular our visitors from Queen’s University RFC and their President Ian McAvoy to Forenaughts, for today’s Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B fixture.

All league games are important, but this fixture takes on an added significance given the respective position of both sides in the table. Naas go into this game in ninth place with Queen’s in tenth, so a victory is vital for both this afternoon.

Queen’s managed to take the spoils on a 36-31 scoreline when the sides last met back in November. We would gladly take a repeat of the result from our last meeting here. That was in September 2024 when Naas played some exceptional rugby to run out victorious by 61 points to 21. As always, regardless of the result, and just as importantly, old acquaintances will be renewed in the clubhouse afterwards.

I would like to congratulate the Naas Under-20 team on their fine victory over Old Wesley in the JP Fanagan Super Six Group game last Sunday afternoon, leaving them in third place in the league table. I would also like to wish the Naas 2nd XV the very best of luck in their two important upcoming games. Tomorrow they are at home to Greystones in the Metro League Division 2 Promotion Final and next Sunday, 8th March they travel to Drogheda to take on Boyne in their Bank of Ireland Provincial Towns Cup 2nd round fixture. The lads have been playing some great rugby this season and would welcome your support at either or both pivotal matches.

Naas RFC and the game of rugby itself is founded on the values of integrity and respect. Can I ask you to take a minute to read through the Naas RFC Code of Conduct in the programme. Please adhere to these guiding principles and especially show respect for our match officials. Without them we would have no game.

After today’s fixture we are away to Highfield next Saturday, March 7th before we host Trinity College here on March 21st, and all support will be greatly appreciated.

Finally on a personal note, I would like to thank all those who attended my Annual President’s Dinner in Lawlors Hotel two weeks ago. A special mention for Mike Higgins who was MC for the night and to my guest speaker – none other than my brother, Geordan. I am very grateful for your support on the night, and I hope you all enjoyed the event.

Enjoy today’s match, yours in rugby.

Ross Murphy President Naas RFC 2025/26

NAAS RFC SQUAD THE PACK 2

1

3

Stephen Lackey

Brad Clements Perth, Scotland

Clonmore, Carlow

Naas AIL Caps: 70

Naas AIL Caps: 13

Naas AIL Caps: 30

Blessington, Wicklow

Adam Deay

5

4

James O’Loughlin

Oisin Halpin

Naas, Kildare

Colbinstown, Kildare

Naas AIL Caps: 46

Naas AIL Caps: 13

6

8

Darragh Murphy

Ballyhackett, Carlow

Naas AIL Caps: 28

7

Will O’Brien (Capt)

Paulie Tolofua Auckland, NZ

Naas AIL Caps: 108

Sallins, Kildare

Naas AIL Caps: 147

NAAS RFC SQUAD THE ATTACK 9

10

Tadhg Brophy

Kilcullen, Kildare

Naas AIL Caps: 27

Paddy Taylor

Kilcullen, Kildare

Naas AIL Caps: 30

12

13

Tom Monaghan Kilcock, Kildare

Naas AIL Caps: 12

Charlie Sheridan Naas, Kildare

Naas AIL Caps: 64

11

15

Donal Conroy

Jack Sheridan Naas, Kildare

Naas AIL Caps: 48

14

Derry Lenehan

Johnstown, Kildare

Naas AIL Caps: 39

Athgarvan, Kildare

Naas AIL Caps: 85

NAAS RFC SQUAD THE IMPACT 16 17 Tadhg Dooley

Ballymore Eustace

18

Naas AIL Caps: 20 John King

Athy, Kildare

Naas AIL Caps: 16 Eoin Walsh

19

Rathangan, Kildare

Naas AIL Caps: 96

20 Muiris Cleary Naas, Kildare

21

Naas AIL Caps: 43 Cormac King Naas, Kildare

Naas AIL Caps: 32 Tom Bohan

Ballitore, Kildare

Naas AIL Caps: 10

QUEENS UNIVERSITY MATCHDAY SQUAD

1

2

Chris MASSEY

4 6

3

5

Joe HOPES

Paddy WOODS

James McKILLOP(Capt.)

10 12

11

Henry WALKER

Reuben ALLEN

8

Ethan DUNCAN

15

Will CUSACK

Clark LOGAN

13

Jonny SCOTT

7

Tom BRIGG

9

Jacob BOYD

Jordan McAULEY

Fraser CUNNINGHAM

14

Ryan

STREET

REPLACEMENTS 16. H. Marcus 19. P. Donaghy

17. Jack Parkinson 20. Adam Lowey

18. Ben Moore 21. Eamonn Rodgers

Home Instonians Naas Dublin University Naas Queens Naas City of Armagh Garryowen Naas UCC Naas Naas Blackrock College Naas Highfield Naas Old Wesley Naas

Score 32 – 13 15 – 33 21 – 18 19 – 14 36 – 31 32 – 20 47 – 33 19 – 24 24 – 34 41 – 28 14 – 28 24 – 17 30 – 26 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0 0–0

Away Naas Old Wesley Naas Highfield Naas Blackrock College Naas Naas UCC Naas Garryowen City of Armagh Naas Queens Naas Dublin University Naas Instonians

Division 1B Table

Fixtures & Results

Date 27 Sep 04 Oct 11 Oct 25 Oct 01 Nov 15 Nov 29 Nov 06 Dec 13 Dec 10 Jan 24 Jan 31 Jan 07 Feb 28 Feb 07 Mar 21 Mar 28 Mar 04 Apr

Blackrock College 30 – 26 Naas | 07 Feb | Match Report Buoyed by their previous victory over Armagh, Naas travelled to Dublin for this Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B fixture against Blackrock College last Saturday in confident mood. Although they returned defeated, it was only narrowly after a classic game between two fine sides.

The game was played on a saturated pitch, but it did not stop these teams thoroughly entertaining the crowd present, with the verdict right in the balance until the very final whistle.

Not surprisingly Naas fielded an unchanged side, but they were rocked back on their heels within four minutes by an opening Blackrock try. From a line-out take just outside the Naas 22 the home side moved the ball into midfield where Brian Colclough had joined the line.

He put in a chip behind the Naas defence which was not dealt with by the visitors, and it somehow squirted back to Colclough who touched it down for a score. Daniel Squires hit the post with his conversion attempt, but he was on the mark after 13 minutes with a penalty effort which extended the Blackrock lead to eight points.

Naas responded with a fine try after 18 minutes. A big carry by Paulie Tolofua drove the home defence backwards before the ball was released to the backs.

Some fine hands put Paddy Taylor into space and he strode forward, before drawing in the last defender and passing out to Donal Conroy who finished in style.

Taylor was successful with the conversion to leave just one point between the sides.

Daniel Squires added another penalty for Blackrock after 29 minutes, but Naas struck for their second try of the afternoon just on the stroke of half-time.

A huge Naas scrum won a penalty which was dispatched to touch. From the lineout, big carries by Darragh Murphy, Oisin Halpin and Paulie Tolofua drove Naas forward before the ball was moved to Paddy Taylor who put in a lovely little chip over the home defenders.

Derry Lenehan reacted quickest and won the chase for the loose ball and touched down to score. Although the conversion was missed, Naas led for the first time by 12 points to 11, which proved to be the interval score.

The second-half started at a frantic pace and within ninety seconds Naas had scored again. A lovely kick by Derry Lenehan won a 50-22 and from the lineout a driving maul was set up. When this was stopped Naas moved the ball into midfield where Charlie Sheridan took a great line, splitting the defence apart to score. Paddy Taylor kicked the resulting conversion.

Just two minutes later Blackrock responded. Naas failed to deal with the restart which put the home side on the front foot, and after a series of carries by their pack they attacked down the blind side, leading to David Fortune scoring in the corner. Daniel Squires missed the conversion.

Then on 48 minutes Naas secured their try bonus point. Good ball retention saw the visitors take play up to the Blackrock ten metre before Paulie Tolofua received the ball out on the left wing. He sold a great dummy before releasing Jack Sheridan who sprinted away to score. A great conversion by Paddy Taylor gave Naas a ten-point lead - 26 -16.

Blackrock had to score next and they did that after 55 minutes.

Blackrock College 30 – 26 Naas | 07 Feb | Match Report A great chip in behind the Naas defence

by Tim Corkery forced the visitors to concede a line-out five metres from their own line. However, at the line-out the ball was overthrown by Jamie Rogan, it was gathered by Naas, and they were able to clear their lines. The reprieve did not last long.

A series of big carries by the Blackrock pack drove Naas backwards, and when they moved the ball left there was an overlap out wide which they exploited and led to Barry Galvin scoring. Daniel Squires added the conversion to reduce the margin to just three points.

After 64 minutes Blackrock looked sure to regain the lead as they powered over the Naas line, but Oisin Halpin did superbly well to get a hand under the ball and earn his side a goal-line drop out.

But the home side snatched victory right at the death. For the final five minutes they were camped in the Naas 22, earning a series of penalties but they were unable to break down a very stubborn defence, who were defending as if their lives depended on it.

Finally, they elected to tap another penalty awarded, again their pack drove at the Naas line, but this time they moved the ball wide right to Harry Waters, who managed to squeeze in at the corner for the winning score.

Daniel Squires added the conversion to huge scenes of jubilation amongst the home supporters whose team now led by 30-26.

There was not enough time left on the clock for Naas to respond and so it was a narrow, heartbreaking defeat for them.

However they can take great credit for the performance that they put up, which was one of their best of the season.

Certainly, a repeat of this in their remaining games will see them move away from the relegation zone.

With just six points separating sixth to nineth in the table, every one of the last five games left will be massive and any victories will be vital and hard won.

Naas are next back in action on Saturday, February 28th, with a home fixture against Queen's University. This game has a 2.30pm kick-off, and as always, all support will be greatly appreciated.

Naas: Derry Lenehan, Donal Conroy, Charlie Sheridan, Tom Monaghan, Jack Sheridan, Paddy Taylor, Tadhg Brophy, Stephen Lackey, Brad Clements, Adam Deay, James O’Loughlin, Oisin Halpin, Darragh Murphy, Will O’Brien (capt), Paulie Tolofua.

Replacements: Fintan O’Malley, Callum Coyne, Muiris Cleary, Eoin Walsh, Cormac King, Tom Bohan.

Blackrock College: Brian Colclough, Harry Waters, Matthew Dawn, Daniel Squires, Barry Galvin, Tim Corkery, Oliver Coffey, Paddy Moore, Jamie Rogan, Alex Mullan, John Forde, Jack Gardiner, James Burke (capt), Dave Fortune, Inigo Cruise O’Brien.

Replacements: Richie Allen, David Crowley, Andrew Savage, Alex Simpson, Peter Quirke, Matthew McCarthy.

Referee: Dermot Blake.

Match Report: Mark Herbert.

Spirit of Rugby

NAAS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS, PLAYERS, COACHES & SUPPORTERS A person shall NOT ABUSE, THREATEN OR INTIMIDATE a player, referee, touch judge, match official or steward whether on or off the field of play and on club grounds.

A person (inclusive of players) shall NOT USE RACIAL, CRUDE OR ABUSIVE LANGUAGE OR GESTURES TOWARDS a player, referee, touch judge, match official, steward or spectator.

CLUB OFFICIALS AND STEWARDS Shall be entitled to request any person to leave the club grounds for behaviour that they deem to be inappropriate or in breach of the code of conduct.

THE CLUB RESERVES THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO REFUSE ADMISSION TO THE GROUNDS.

Respect our Game

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