Rising Longford rugby star Mia lining out with Ireland in U-18 Women’s Six Nations

Longford's Mia Rowan is part of the Ireland Under-18 Women’s rugby squad (sponsored by PwC) for the U-18 Women’s Six Nations Festival, at Wellington College in England. 

Longford Rugby Club is immensely proud of Mia's international call up. "From a Longford RFC mini to our girl in green, all of us at Longford RFC are very proud of Mia and we wish her and all the team, the very best of luck in the tournament."

Kenagh girl Mia was also among the award recipients at the 2025 Longford Leader Sports Star Awards, in association with Longford Sports Partnership.

Mia’s rugby journey began at Longford RFC, where she first lined out at Under-12 level and quickly distinguished herself as a standout talent. As she progressed through the club’s age grades, her leadership qualities became increasingly evident.

Mia captained Longford sides to Leinster titles at every age group, setting a standard of excellence and commitment that made her one of the club’s most respected young players.

Also read: Longford pride as terrific Tadhg Beirne stars in Ireland's Triple Crown triumph

Her impressive performances earned her selection for the Midlands Area Development Squad, a key stepping stone for emerging provincial players. Serving as co-captain on her second year, Mia helped lead the squad to back-to-back victories in the prestigious Sarah Robinson Cup, further cementing her reputation as both a skilled athlete and an influential leader on the pitch.

Mia’s dedication and consistent development were soon recognised at provincial level, securing her a place in the Leinster setup for two consecutive seasons. She represented her province during the Interprovincial Series in her first year, gaining invaluable experience at the highest underage level.

Unfortunately, a knee injury curtailed her involvement during her second season, but her resilience and determination throughout recovery have only strengthened her resolve to return to top form.

Off the field, Mia has been equally celebrated. She became the first-ever recipient of Longford RFC’s Girls Overall Youth Player of the Year award and has collected multiple honours acknowledging her commitment, sporting manner and impact within the club.

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Mia’s achievements to date reflect not only her athletic ability, but also her leadership, character, and unwavering dedication to the sport she loves.

Ireland opened their U-18 Women's Six Nations Festival on Thursday, April 2 with a 59-0 defeat to France at Wellington College. You can Watch the full match back on irishrugby+.

Ireland will be back in action on Easter Monday (April 6) for two 35-minute fixtures.

They will play tournament hosts England, who were 32-24 losers against Wales, at 1pm, before facing Scotland at 2pm.

The Scots fought back for a 26-all draw with Italy thanks to a Connie Sanderson hat-trick.

Ireland, under head coach Craig Hansberry, play Italy in their final match on Friday, April 10 at Wellington College, 2.15pm. 

The line-up versus France ; 

IRELAND U-18: Róisín O’Sullivan (Ballinasloe RFC/Connacht Rugby); Aoife Heaney (Tuam RFC/Claremorris RFC/Connacht Rugby), Caitlin Crowe (Virginia RFC/Ulster Rugby), Jo McCaughey (Clonakilty RFC/Munster Rugby), Clodagh McCarthy (Clonakilty RFC/Munster Rugby); Sophia White (Arklow RFC/Leinster Rugby), Amy McConkey (Cooke RFC/Ulster Rugby); Coumba Sow (Clontarf FC/Leinster Rugby), Emma Jane Wilson (Cill Dara RFC/Leinster Rugby), Lily Murphy (Tullow RFC/Leinster Rugby), Usha Daly O’Toole (Wicklow RFC/Leinster Rugby), Mia Rowan (Longford RFC/Leinster Rugby), Lucia Dickinson (IQ Rugby) (capt), Róisín Kinch (Tullow RFC/Leinster Rugby), Róisín Power (Ballinasloe RFC/Connacht Rugby).

Replacements: Uilinn Eilian (Tuam RFC/Connacht Rugby), Evie Kennedy (Ballina RFC/Connacht Rugby), Ella Buckley (Ballincollig RFC/Munster Rugby), Ruby Osumah (Tullamore RFC/Leinster Rugby), Anna McDermott (Ballinasloe RFC/Connacht Rugby), Kitty Sweeney (Westport RFC/Connacht Rugby), Lani O’Donovan (Clonakilty RFC/Munster Rugby), Abi Kelly (Ennis RFC/Munster Rugby), Cairínn Kearns (Gort RFC/Connacht Rugby), Lily Byrne (Dolphin RFC/Munster Rugby), Niamh O’Mahony (Ballincollig/Munster Rugby), Julie Finn (Clonakilty RFC/Munster Rugby), Katie Griffin (Loughrea RFC/Connacht Rugby).