As part of the 2025 Quilter Nations Series, Energia is thrilled to shine a light on grassroots clubs around the country.

Enniscorthy RFC is one of Leinster’s most famous clubs, having won the Towns Cup on nine occasions. Founded in 1912, the club has a thriving juvenile boys’ and girls’ section, which saw Aoife Wafer and Charlie Tector famously come through the ranks.

Last April, Enniscorthy RFC won Division 2C of the Men’s Energia AIL in dramatic circumstances, defeating Belfast Harlequins away from home on the final day of the season, to ensure they pipped Midleton to the title. 

This season, they have begun life strongly in Division 2B, and are hoping to stay up, unlike in 2022, when they only lasted one season in the Division after their last promotion. 

Club President Liam Spratt has played for the club at all levels, and is a well-known voice on sport in Wexford and throughout the country due to his renowned commentary work with South-East Radio. He’s delighted to see the club go from strength-to-strength since returning to the Energia AIL in 2019. 

 “There is a rich history of rugby in the club. We were a senior team in the 1920s, before we went back to the junior ranks in the 30s. 

 “It’s been very important for us to return to the senior ranks. Before promotion, there was great rivalry among the clubs in the south-east, but we now have new rivalries around the country. 

 “Senior rugby is not easy, as the standard is so high. All our players are local though, and it helps us to promote the game in the region. We’ve always tried to play attractive rugby, and it helps the supporters to come to Alcast Park, knowing they will be in for a good game.” 

After previously earning promotion to Division 2B, the club were relegated the following season, and Spratt feels the Senior men’s team are in a stronger position this season to stay up. 

“The players love the challenge. It’s a different level of rugby, and the players have stepped up to the mark. We’re very fortunate to have Brett Igoe as our Head Coach. He’s excellent, and the work done with the players will hopefully help us consolidate in 2B this season.” 

With clubs of all sports battling for players, Enniscorthy and Wexford Wanderers joined forces to create South-East Lions, ensuring there was an opportunity for women to represent the club at the highest level. 

The Lions currently play in the Leinster Women’s Division 3, and Spratt says the team continues the history of women in the club. 

“We have always been closely associated with the Enniscorthy Hockey Club, so we’ve seen the progression of women’s rugby in recent years. Camogie and Ladies Football are very strong in the region, so we are competing for players, like the men’s team do. 

 “Having the likes of Aoife come through the club has helped us massively as well.” 

 Aoife Wafer is the club’s most famous daughter, with the reigning Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship and current Energia Ambassador honing her skills in Enniscorthy. When entering the clubhouse, one of Aoife’s senior Ireland jerseys hangs proudly on the wall. 

 Along with Leinster’s Charlie Tector (another Enniscorthy alumni), the duo continue to be role models for boys and girls looking to follow in their paths. 

 “All youngsters need somebody to look up to”, Spratt adds. “We’re very fortunate to have the likes of Aoife, Charlie, and Josh Murphy and Katie Whelan come through the club, for these players to look up to. 

 “When you’re a local club, these players play for the jersey, and all that comes with it. They are part of the community and the social network of the area.” 

 Every weekend, Enniscorthy’s pitches are full with players of all ages, dreaming of becoming the next Aoife Wafer or Charlie Tector. Spratt knows the role clubs like Enniscorthy have in creating the next generation of players to play for country and province. 

 “The grassroots clubs are the pathway for players to come up through. Our biggest challenge is getting volunteers, but that’s the same around the country. Without volunteers there are no pathways for players coming through the ranks. 

 “Tadhg Furlong from New Ross is a prime local example of how important the club pathways are. There needs to be an acceptance for the role of clubs like Enniscorthy in the player pathway.” 

Energia sponsors rugby in Ireland at all levels, including in grassroots with the Energia AIL, and as Official Energy Partner for the Ireland Men’s and Women’s teams, along with Connacht Rugby and Leinster Rugby. 

The Energia Rugby for All initiative supports inclusion, welcoming everyone of all abilities to play the game.