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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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