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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.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in Physical Education?
Once I finish my degree, I’d love to become a PE teacher. Teaching and helping others develop a passion for sport has always been something I’m interested in. I’ve recently started coaching the Tullamore U16s girls’ rugby team, alongside the other coaches. It has been a great experience and has shown me how rewarding it is to see young players grow in confidence and skill. I want to bring that same energy into teaching. Rugby will always be part of my life too, whether it’s through coaching or mentoring young players, but I’m excited about the idea of inspiring others to embrace fitness and health in all aspects of their lives.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I start every day at 7am with a walk with my dog – it’s a great way to wake up and clear my head before the day begins. After that, I go to the gym for about an hour before work. I work as a content specialist from 11am to 4pm, focusing on content creation. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I head straight to rugby training with Railway Union RFC in the evenings. On non-training days, I focus on my studies in the evenings, working on assignments or catching up on lectures. Saturdays are often a mix of lectures and matches, while Sundays are my day to rest, catch up on anything I missed during the week, and plan for the week ahead. It’s a busy schedule, but I use a scheduling app to help me structure every day to keep me on track.
With so many balls in the air, how do you do it all?
For me, having a solid routine is the key to managing everything. As I mentioned, I use a scheduling app to help me structure every day to keep me accountable, productive and motivated. My walk with my dog every morning is non-negotiable – it gives me a chance to start the day with a clear mind. I also make time to relax, whether it’s spending time with family in the evenings, cooking a good meal, or just enjoying some downtime. Sundays are my day to reset and recharge, where I rest and get organised for the week ahead. Those little rituals keep me balanced and help me stay focused on what’s important.
You’ve spoken before about your passion for encouraging young female athletes to get involved in rugby. For any young girls (or mums of young girls reading this), what advice would you share?
To young girls thinking about picking up a sport, my advice is simple: just give it a try. When I started rugby at 16, I had no idea where it would take me, but it ended up becoming such a huge part of my life. Sport teaches you resilience, teamwork, and confidence in a way that nothing else can. For parents, rugby is an amazing environment for girls to grow – both physically and mentally. It’s not just about what happens on the pitch; it’s about building character, forming lifelong friendships, and learning to challenge yourself. To get started, find a local club and see what’s available. Rugby has a welcoming community, and it might just be the start of an incredible journey. Rugby has a place for everyone.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to take the first step. When I started rugby at 16, I had no idea it would become such an important part of my life. What I’ve learned along the way is that challenges are where you grow the most. Whether it’s your first training session or a big match, every moment teaches you something new about yourself. For young girls, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone — you’re capable of more than you think. With every change brings opportunity, and I stand by that – use every challenge as an opportunity for personal growth. And for parents, encouraging your daughters to try rugby isn’t just about sport; it’s about giving them the tools to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills. Sometimes the things you start just for fun end up shaping who you are.
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