Though Gareth Steenson originates from County Armagh, it’s the municipality of Exeter that bestowed upon him the honor of freedom of the city in 2021.
Sandy Park, the heart of rugby in Devon, possesses an almost mythical aura, which seems appropriate considering the remarkable events that transpired during his period as the ground’s celebrated fly-half.
Ascension, league titles, continental accolades: a true sporting icon. Furthermore – with 2,630 points achieved across 311 appearances – his proficiency in striking the ball was undeniable.
However, ‘Steeno’ has returned – to the vicinity of the Irish Sea where his journey commenced, wearing the green he last donned as captain of the national U21s – refining the kicking strategies of the Ireland Women’s team ahead of a highly anticipated global tournament.
He practically transitioned from the aircraft directly onto the grounds of the IRFU’s High Performance center, mirroring the urgency of Scott Bemand’s invitation – and the subsequent positive developments. Mere weeks afterward, Ireland delivered an impactful, preliminary statement at WXV1 – overcoming the Black Ferns and triumphing over the USA Eagles – and Steenson’s responsibilities have since expanded to encompass work with the backs, integrating with the squad multiple times per week.
‘They constitute a fantastic team,’ he asserts. ‘I must admit – the women’s sport was relatively uncharted territory for me, despite my involvement with the program at Chiefs – therefore, it served as a learning opportunity for myself as much as for them.”
He expresses amusement. ‘They pose significantly more inquiries compared to the men – one is cognizant of being challenged daily – however, this is accompanied by an openness that I particularly appreciate. The enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge, and the commitment to the required professionalism and standards, provides a genuine sense of contributing to their improvement.’
Being a former half-back himself, Bemand possesses an abundance of play-making expertise, yet – as Steenson dedicates himself to his current role, his fervor for his vocation palpable – one can readily understand why the head coach has entrusted the playmaker with such considerable authority.
‘Kicking can sometimes be perceived as a precautionary measure – to clear the ball and maintain safety – however, I view it as one of the most formidable offensive tools at one’s disposal.
“Promoting this perspective is essential as the sport develops – and Irish Rugby is at the forefront concerning the technical aspects.
“Given the prevalence of GAA played in this country, we are fortunate to have an abundance of naturally talented kickers. Our responsibility lies in enhancing their understanding of when, where, and how to utilize these skills – considering potential opportunities and consequences – and cultivating variation in their techniques. We have established a highly effective long kicking game, so the current objective involves introducing supplementary elements – to maintain an element of surprise for opposing defenses.”
We don’t want opposing teams to perceive us as predictable; we want to maintain an element of unpredictability. If one avenue is closed off, we’ll simply exploit an alternative.
Ireland is capitalizing on the foundations laid during childhoods spent participating in Gaelic football, but additionally benefiting from one of the SVNS Series’ leading teams, recently returned from an Olympic Games.
From the aerial proficiency of Stacey Flood, to the agility of Aimee-Leigh Costigan, and returning once more – by way of Beibhinn Parsons’s capacity to skillfully navigate while delivering impactful tackles: similarly to the Black Ferns, Ireland’s collaboration between sevens and 15s is among their principal advantages.
“The speed and athleticism are present – not solely in the tempo they sustain, but also in their responsiveness – therefore, it’s our duty to optimize these attributes, and ensure they comprehend how to effectively utilize these strengths. The same applies to our forwards, who are sometimes overlooked in the context of kicking, yet possess a vital role: it’s a team-wide effort.
“It’s about fostering a well-rounded game. In the span of a year, I have already collaborated with in excess of 20 kickers – and we possess considerable diversity within the group – spanning from nines through to our back three. We don’t want opposing teams to perceive us as predictable; we want to maintain an element of unpredictability. If one avenue is closed off, we’ll simply exploit an alternative.”
Engaging in a discussion pertaining to the women in green’s proficiency in kicking is impossible without addressing an athlete who has attained such widespread recognition, such pivotal importance, that – similar to figures such as Enya or Bono – her given name suffices.
The focus shifts to Dannah.
“Her kicking range is comparable to that of some men – effortlessly from 22 to 22 – and she can always rely on this exceptional strength when under duress. Over the preceding year, we have been concentrating on enhancing her understanding, and exploring additional facets of her capabilities.
“She possesses the ability to adapt: executing high kicks, targeting open spaces, or delivering subtle passes. She now has a diverse repertoire at her disposal, enabling her to adapt to various scenarios,” Steenson remarked regarding Ireland’s 21-year-old fly-half.
In response to the query, “Does she possess the potential to become a future British & Irish Lions fly-half?”, the affirmation is instantaneous and resolute. ‘She undoubtedly possesses the potential’. Addressing the question, “Should a greater number of fly-halves adopt pink hair?”, a chuckle ensues. ‘I’m uncertain if I’m the appropriate individual to address that, but why not? If one feels confident, one performs effectively.”
What about that remarkably composed disposition? Is Dannah as level-headed, as poised beyond her years, as she projects? “She approaches various challenges with composure, and is demonstrating significant growth as a leader. She is beginning to comprehend the intricacies of the game, and the opportunities available to her, which fosters increased confidence.”
With shamrocks and ferns adorning the pitch in Brighton, Steeno’s contingent might have already secured their quarter-final berths, with two of these contests – fittingly – taking place at Sandy Park.
At this global tournament, Ireland must navigate Japan at Franklin’s Gardens, where they will subsequently confront Spain a week later – prior to the highly anticipated encounter: a fixture indelibly marked on numerous calendars. Ireland versus the Black Ferns is, by many accounts, the highlight of the group stage: a formidable, apex predator – circling the pools’ deep end.
Steenson consults his notes. “We have conducted some preliminary analysis, but – as compelling as that match already is – we must approach it with the appropriate mindset. The ambiance and significance will manifest on their own; our focus must be on positioning ourselves as a cohesive unit – with a viable strategy. Subsequently, if we execute effectively on the day and commit ourselves fully, the question becomes: “Can they withstand us?”
This is a justifiable question considering the women in green have previously triumphed over the reigning world champion Black Ferns at a global tournament in 2014, and repeated this feat a decade later at WXV1 last September.
With shamrocks and ferns adorning the pitch in Brighton, Steeno’s contingent might have already secured their quarter-final berths, with two of these contests – fittingly – taking place at Sandy Park.
He refrains from divulging his ‘secrets’ pertaining to navigating the citadel’s demanding conditions during this discussion, yet acknowledges that the prospect of a return is ‘truly fantastic.
Knockout rugby is the ultimate objective, and the excitement surrounding this global tournament in Exeter is palpable. There remains work to be done to reach that point, but – experiencing that, alongside this team – would be extraordinary.”
