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Irish rugby player Leah Tarpey on the highs and lows of elite sport
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We sit down with Leinster, Ireland, and Railway Union RFC player Leah Tarpey to discuss how she got started in rugby, as well as the demands of high level sport, and inspiring the next generation.
Playing any sport at the highest level while also juggling work, study, and time to unwind is a tricky balance, but one person who has plenty of experience with this is 21-year-old rugby player Leah Tarpey. We wanted to find out more about how she keeps everything in check.
When did you first fall in love with rugby?
I started playing rugby at 16 with Tullamore RFC, my local club, as something different to try. At the time, I was also playing football with the Laois Senior Women’s team, but rugby quickly became my passion. It was a natural fit for me, and I’ve never looked back. Since then, I’ve gone on to play for Leinster, Ireland, and Railway Union RFC in Dublin.
How are you juggling work, school and sport at the moment?
Right now, I’m balancing my rugby career with work as a content specialist in digital marketing and studying for a degree in Physical Education at Portobello Institute. My schedule is packed, but I’ve found balance and routine among all the different aspects of my life.
Competing at an elite level, especially at just 21, can have its highs and lows. What’s been your biggest high so far?
Winning the Senior Women’s Interprovincial Final with Leinster two years in a row and being named Player of the Match in both games is definitely one of my biggest highs. There’s something special about representing your province and wearing the blue jersey, and to beat Munster, our biggest rivals, in both finals made it even sweeter.
What was one of your lows and how did you move past this?
On the other hand, one of my lows was not making the WXV squad with Ireland for their recent campaign in Canada. Watching the team make history by beating the Black Ferns was incredible, and while I was so proud of them, I would have loved to have been part of that success. It was tough, but I’ve focused on using that as motivation to improve. I’m back at Railway Union RFC, working on my game and building towards earning another chance with Ireland. Sometimes setbacks push you to work harder, and that’s the mindset I’m embracing.
Having a support network is crucial. How have the bonds you’ve built with your teammates and family helped?
I’ve built great bonds with my teammates over the years. Rugby is one of those sports where you really rely on the people around you, and that creates a unique sense of trust and camaraderie. Off the field, my family has always been there when I’ve needed them. Coming from a family of eight, rugby is something that connects us all – every one of my siblings has played at some point. My boyfriend, who’s a professional rugby player, is an amazing source of support too. We’re able to give each other honest feedback, and I’ve learned so much from him. It’s nice knowing that there’s always someone to lean on if things get tough, and having that kind of support has definitely been important along the way.
