Veteran Ireland scrumhalf Tania Rosser has no intention of retiring. The 36 year old returned from four years in the international wilderness to play a starring role at the recent women's world cup in France.
“I’m not going to say no,” said Rosser. “If I’m fit and still going why not give it another go (in the Six Nations). There will be a new coach and a new start. I’m probably fitter now than I was in 2010. A lot of credit must go to Marian Earls, our conditioning coach, who got us to this level.”
Ireland finished fourth in the tournament with Rosser’s continuity game
bringing a new dimension in attack and she scored a brilliant individual try, when running at outhalf, against Kazakhstan.
“Coming back and having the opportunity to play in the green jersey again is amazing. I never thought that I’d ever back.”
Having watched Ireland capture the Grand Slam in 2013, the New Zealand born mother to Serge Rosser successfully reached the fitness levels required for Test match rugby.
“How did I get back? Back in November I decided I wanted to get back in shape again to put myself in the frame. Then I started playing for Blackrock and Goose (coach Philip Doyle) gave me a call to see if I wanted to come out of retirement.
“After that, I met up with Greg McWilliams (Ireland assistant coach) and we had a really good meeting.”
Ireland captain Fiona Coghlan has retired along with vice captain Lynne Cantwell but Rosser believes these huge leadership voids can be filled by the next generation.
“Sure, girls will be leaving but others will come in for the next three year campaign. The difference now is we have the belief that we can go out there and topple the best teams in the world.
“This group is like a family that doesn’t break down. Irish women’s rugby is in a good place right now. Some of the senior girls might be retiring but I am sure they will be there to help out on the club scene.”
The IRFU already indicated a new coaching ticket, to replace Doyle and McWilliams (Peter Bracken may stay on as scrum coach), could be announced in September.
