Irish Rugby Men Sevens start Euro Series with a Touch Of Class

It has been a momentous season so far for the Ireland Men’s Rugby Sevens team. Recently crowned cup champions at the first Rugby Europe Sevens Grand Prix series tournament of 2017 in Moscow, they beat a well-experienced Spanish side in a tightly-contested final.

The best kind of selfie, winners are grinners in Russia

 

Following the first leg and a quick turnaround, the young side finished 3rd in Poland achieving another fantastic result. Despite having less than a week to recover, which is a huge challenge on its own, it was proved no difficulty to the boys in green as they were unbeaten on Day one in Lodz, Poland.

So far, they have gathered a total of 16 points in the tournaments, which has given them plenty to build on as they move into the penultimate leg of the Grand Prix Series In Clermont-Ferrand (July 1-2) before the final stage in Exeter two weeks later (July 15-16).

Running out in Lodz, Poland

Intersport Elverys are proud sponsors of this strong upcoming side. With a huge boost in the men’s sevens programme this year, which has seen the team progressing through to the lower European tiers over the past two seasons.

We spoke with Head Coach Anthony Eddy about the Grand Prix win “We got off to a really great start, the players have been working thoroughly hard over the past number of weeks in training so it was great to see them go out and perform and make such an enormous impact in the European Tournament. The grand Prix Series offers Ireland a chance to qualify for the Rugby World Cup Sevens Tournament in San Francisco next summer, as well as the chance to qualify for the World Series Repechage next season in Hong Kong.

 

We also caught up with Sevens player Harry McNulty, on his experience with the side and he gave some inside gossip from the Ireland camp.

 

The future is bright for men’s sevens game. How are you looking forward to the World Cup?

My thoughts on the World Cup right now are in a strange position. Now, our first goal is to qualify for the Hong Kong World Series qualifiers and then as a bonus the World Cup. After two legs of the European Grand Prix we are drawing in first place with Russia and Spain, both of which are also trying to qualify, but only two spots are up for grabs!! With two legs left in the Grand Prix it is all up in the air and one poor performance will be the decider whether we make it or not!

On that, if we qualify it would incredible to have the opportunity to play against the best sides in the world. It will also be the first time since 2009 that Ireland would be involved in a 7’s World Cup, which would be an extraordinary achievement.


What are your thoughts on the Sevens game and the game in Ireland?

Sevens in general is going to help Irish Rugby expand its player pool which will also uncover some hidden talent. If you take the players who have been involved in the programme over the last three seasons, Adam Byrne, Tom Daly, Barry Daly, Alex Wootton, Dan Goggin, Aaron Cairns & Rory O’Loughlin and to see how well they have done, gaining professional contracts, being nominated for awards and receiving Ireland 15’s caps. Without the Sevens programme, the opportunity for all those players may have not been the same and it’s exciting to see what other achievements lay ahead

 

 What gives you inspiration?
I am inspired by the opportunity to be a part of Irish 7’s history. I’ve been lucky enough to have been involved with the programme since day one and to see where the team has come from (Bosnia – Division C) to now (European Grand Prix) is amazing. To have the opportunity to be a part of the first Irish Men’s 7’s team to play on the World Series as well would be an incredible honour.

 

How does it feel to be inspiring others?

I’ve never thought about that really! I still get huge inspiration from players on the World Series and as we are not on that level I guess it’s hard for me to see that I may be inspiring someone. It’s amazing to think someone may be looking up to you and wants to be able to be in the same position as you.  All I can do is try and be a good role model and keep improving my game to make sure that anyone looking up to me maintains inspired!

 

How do you relax away from rugby on tour?

Personally, I like to get into the city that we are playing in and explore. I love travelling so by getting to do it through rugby is a bonus and I want to make sure I make the most of it. As a team, we play a lot of card games as well. Those games can go on for hours!

Soaking up the culture in Russia

 

If you could score a try on any pitch in the world, where would it be and who would be the opposition?


Definitely Hong Kong. Before it was a professional game my dad played and scored there for the Bahrain Warblers and it would be cool to be able to score their as well.
If I could score against anyone it would be Fiji. They are the best 7’s team in the world and Hong Kong is where they play their best rugby so it’d be a pretty memorable place to score against them.

Which of your team mates is the funniest and what do they do to make you laugh?

Shane Layden –  he is quick witted and loves to try and get under your skin. He’s also been around since day one and I like to think I know how he operates and I find it funny when I see him doing the same tricks to the new guys like he did to me!

The confidence is high in Camp, as the weeks progress no doubt we will see this group of strong lads strive to greatness in the green jersey. It’s an exciting prospect to see what this team can do. It has been shown over the last few weeks that Ireland have the mentality to fight for everything, they sure don’t let each other down and have accepted that they will be judged on exceptionally high standards. The future is bright for Irish Rugby. Coming off the back of these tournaments they have planted a little seed in the minds of the ‘Higher ranked’ teams that will also be competing for the World Cup spots in 2018.

The pool draw for the next European tournament in France is yet to be confirmed. Each pool will always be tough, but they hope to keep building and improving tournament by tournament. The full results and pools are available on the rugby European tournament page, with Live streaming of all matches on www.rugbyeurope.tv


Intersport Elverys – Where Passions Unite

Committed to more teams and sports than ever before.

Whether you’re a player, a fan, an avid sports person or just trying to get fitter, we all share the same passions. It’s about personal achievement, effort and accomplishment. Performing at our best, no matter how big our goals… that’s what drives us.

At Intersport Elverys, we believe sport and fitness fuels life. We have a steadfast tradition in supporting sport at all levels, from grass roots events and organisations to elite teams and athletes. In addition to Intersport Elverys’ title sponsorship of Connacht Rugby and Ireland Rugby Sevens, the brand is one of the biggest supporters of GAA in Ireland, sponsoring the Mayo & Tipperary Inter-County teams as well as being retailer partner to the IRFU and numerous GAA County Boards.

On the running spectrum, the brand is associate sponsor of the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon and Parkrun.

We’re committed to more teams and sports than ever before. From hurling to football and from running to rugby, in our stores, online, in the stands and in the moment… we’re shouting for you.

Add us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to get access to exclusive content and exciting giveaways over the course of the Summer!

Check out elverys.ie to shop the biggest and best brands!

To celebrate the launch of ‘Where Passions Unite’, we are offering an exclusive 20% OFF all county training ranges of our TEN county retail partnerships.

Just click on your county from the list below to avail of this discount. Offer ends 31st July, 2017, don’t miss out!

Online only. Ts & Cs apply.

Watch our new Where Passions Unite video featuring stars of GAA and Rugby.


Our Connacht Coaching Event Winners

As proud sponsors of Connacht Rugby, we recently held a unique competition where any team, from any sport, could win the opportunity to receive a customised coaching session with Head Coach of Connacht Rugby, Pat Lam and his backroom team.

The winners in the end were the Westmeath Senior Camogie team, who would take part in the one-of-a-kind event.

On the day, the world of rugby met the world of GAA as the team from Westmeath took over the Sportsground in Galway. The ladies got to hear from Pat on his coaching vision and they also got insights into how a professional analysis team prepare for competition.

Check out the video below to see just a snippet of how the ladies got on.

 

Huge thanks to Pat Lam and his team for providing a great day for the ladies.

We are delighted to be able to provide experiences like this so don’t forget to keep an eye out for more unique competitions on our FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages!


A Weekend of Running

This weekend, Intersport Elverys are backing a whole weekend of fantastic running events, with something for everyone, right across the country.

It all kicks off on Saturday with your local Parkrun. Why not bring the family along to your local event where we’re proud sponsors of this fantastic community-based weekly run!

Then on Sunday, we’re down south, backing the pace runners in the Cork City Marathon by kitting them out in Asics running gear!

Finally, on Bank Holiday Monday, if you’re out and about in Dublin, why not head along to the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon where it promises to be a fun-filled day as always. As one of the sponsors of this event for the past 14 years, we’re extremely proud to be right behind it.

So here’s a quick look at each run this weekend; which one will you be heading along to?

Saturday 3rd June-  ParkRun Ireland

Running for Fun Times, Not Fast Times!

Parkrun organises weekly 5Ks all over Ireland, with each location kicking off every Saturday morning at 9.30am. It’s a wonderful way to get active, get social and get moving, all while exploring the outdoors. There’s no better way to kick start your weekend!

So tie up them laces and grab a friend. If you’re in need of any running advice, why not head down to your local Intersport Elverys store, which is THE destination for running gear and get booted up with our top of the range running shoes or check out our online running range here.

Screenshot 2017-06-01 17.26.52

Sunday 4th June – Cork City Marathon – Irelands largest Marathon Event

We’re proud to be backing the pace runners for the Cork City Marathon this Sunday. Catch the very talented runners rocking their Intersport Elverys sponsored Asics race tees! Be sure to give them a shout of support and a maybe a sip of water! The day, as always, will have a fantastic vibe, full of enthusiastic runners, so why not pop along to lend your support.

Monday 5th June – VHI Women’s Mini Marathon

This Monday, women from all over Ireland and further afield will come together to raise much-needed funds for Irish Charities. We’re also proud sponsors of this fantastic annual event.

There’s no better way to kick start your #MondayMotivation than popping along to cheer them on.

Check out our Mini Marathon ambassador, Hayley Coleman’s last minute advice to her fellow runners!

Finally, best of luck to all runners taking part over the long weekend! Happy Running!

Intersport Elverys Ambassador Hayley


The Final VHI WMM Update

Our VHI Women’s Mini Marathon ambassador Hayley Coleman gives us her final training update before the big day on June 5th. Hayley, a professional make-up Artist is no stranger to the Mini Marathon, having completed it last year, calling it ‘one of the most amazing experiences’

After months of preparation, she is nearing the end of her training and is intent on besting her time from last year. Her personal goal this time around is to hit 10k in the 50’s and we have no doubt that she can do it! With less then a week to go, we sat down with the Westport native to see how she has been getting on.

“My training is pretty much done and I cannot believe at how far I have come in the few months.’‘ Along with her busy schedule Hayley’s training consisted off 2/3 5k runs a week along with strength and circuit classes. As well as the training plan Hayley also signed up for a few local races to help with her preparation and helps build confidence.

Intersport Elverys Ambassador Hayley Coleman VHI Mini Marathon

Hayley explains ‘I try to combine this with strength and circuit classes, just to change things up and give me myself a bit of variety.’ Having this variety helps keep the training interesting and Hayley also gives some advice to any new runners or any ladies taking part in the mini marathon.

‘Pick a spot up ahead and run to that spot and if you have to stop do, but only for a short while. The clock is still ticking.’

Hayley went on to add: “If you feel like you are lacking the motivation it’s important to push through and you will feel the benefit from it. It was important for me in preparing not to deprive myself as you want to enjoy my training; moderation and balance are key.”

Hayley also gives praise to her local Intersport Elverys, who were always on hand to help out ‘I have to make a big shout-out to all the staff in my local store, they have been great; always on hand to give me advice on what the best footwear is and what clothing is appropriate for my training.’

With the Mini-Marathon a few days week away Hayley’s last minute advice is ‘I am going to take it easy this week maybe a few gym sessions and eat well and sleep well as that is so important.’

So ladies, don’t forget to visit Elverys.ie or pop into your local store for any expert advice or last minute needs for the big day.

Best of Luck to Hayley and all the ladies who are taking part on the 5th of June. Enjoy your day!