As part of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, Energia is thrilled to shine a light on grassroots clubs around the country.

Jackie Shiels thought her days at Balreask Old were long gone… and then came a call in 2023.

Shiels began her storied rugby career with her hometown team, before moving to play with Richmond in England. After a successful time in England she returned to the Energia AIL, finishing her career with Blackrock College. 

She returned to the club as Head Coach of the Women’s team ahead of the 2023/24 season, and is overseeing a rejuvenation of women’s rugby at Navan RFC.

“We had 21 players when I was approached to take on the role, and I spent the time before officially joining trying to recruit players ahead of the 2023-24 season, so we’d have a full squad”, Shiels says of how her time began with Navan.

“I played for Navan 20 odd years ago, and it was the first team I played with. Before I joined, every player that was of a standard, went to a Dublin club when they turned 18. That happened when I played there, but the club came to me with aspirations of stopping that tide.”

Since Shiels has arrived, the team have had back-to-back promotions from Division 3 in the Leinster League, to Division 2. This season they are riding high in Division 1. Having played in two World Cups for Ireland, Shiels was able to bring a coaching team with her into the club, with a wide variety of experience.

“I was very lucky to bring in a good coaching team with me”, she says proudly. “Michelle Claffey and Sinead Ryan have both played for Ireland. David Delahunt, Andy Walker, Andy Kearins and Edel Weldon are all on board too. It sounds like a lot, but we all work across the three womens. Edwina Connor and Simon Connor help manage the teams, and they’re invaluable.”

When Shiels arrived, Navan fielded two teams, but that has increased to three as of the start of the 2025-26 season. From day one, her focus has been on giving opportunities to players of all abilities, and enticing players back to wear the blue of Navan once more.

“I started reaching out to ex-players, and plenty came back. Then I went to players in their thirties and forties who recently retired, hoping to get them to pass on their knowledge to the younger players, and I got a few more that way.”

A Secondary School teacher by trade, Shiels has been able to use her contacts through Navan and its surrounds to entice players to try out the game,

“I know plenty of girls who may not have played, but I knew they had the physical attributes required, so I reached out to players who play football, camogie and soccer and see if they wanted to play.

“I probably rang 200 people, and we now have 82 registered players on our books with the senior women’s teams.”

With three former Ireland internationals in the coaching staff, Shiels says they have all helped bring players into the club.

“We all came in at different levels, but there is a role for every player no matter their ability. I genuinely think you can take up the game at a late age, and excel. We’re doing our best to nurture players, no matter what level they want to play at, whether it be just having fun, or getting national or provincial caps.

With various sports competing for attention in all areas, including Navan, Shiels says that the players across all three teams have a set structure when it comes to training and games.

“The beauty of rugby is the schedule. Every Sunday at 1pm we have a game. That’s set in stone, and we only move games if the weather takes over. It’s an easy sport to schedule your life around.”

The seven coaches work with all three teams in every training session. Shiels says it’s key to making sure the coaches get direct involvement with every player, no matter their level.

“In my first season we had two teams, and it was easier to work with. They all trained together, and we mixed the girls up. Nowadays, we all do skills drills together, but split into the three teams for more matchday specific drills. The coaches are always stationary, which means we see all players every evening.”

With back-to-back promotions, the team have aims of joining the Energia AIL in the coming years, but Shiels has made sure the infrastructure is in place, should they reach that level.

“When I joined the club, one of the first things I insisted on was a physio. It’s a really important role in any team. We’re very fortunate in Navan to have local businesses that sponsor us, through post-match meals at all home matches. That isn't normal at this level. If we want to reach a higher level, things like this need to be in place. The club has been supportive of what we are trying to achieve.”

The pathways in place have already reaped rewards, with players now having the opportunity to stay in Navan, playing to a high level.

“Rosie Searle has played for Navan since she was a child”, Shiels says proudly. “She’s played for Connacht, Leinster and is now with the Clovers. We want to show players that you can follow Rosie’s patch in the North-East, and stay with Navan and still thrive to a high level.”

While Shiels represented Ireland as recently as 2016, she says it’s incredible to see the growth in recent years.

“It’s incredible to watch how the sport is evolving, but there is a bit of envy too. Last year, we brought 100 girls to Belfast to see Ireland in the Six Nations. We already have 175 tickets bought for the Scotland game in the Aviva.

“We want every girl in Navan to be aware of the sport. They may not want to play it, but they know it’s there. We’ve been lucky to have people like Sam Monaghan, Lynne Cantwell and Aoife Wafer come to the club. It’s all about showing our players what’s available in the future.”

While Shiels has overseen brilliant growth in recent years, she says her time with the club will be remembered, after she has left.

“I’ll be judged on how sustainable this is in the coming years. I really enjoy doing it, but it’s all about moving forward, and that includes improving the underage systems, through Women’s Development Officers, where they go into the schools in Navan, focusing on getting players into the club. Each team needs a squad of 30 or so.”

It’s clear from speaking to Shiels, that the club is in safe hands. From the club that gave her a first taste of rugby that brought her around the world, it’s a fitting legacy to leave behind.