The Irish Wolfhounds return to Navan Rugby Club hoping that history will repeat itself when they face the Netherlands in the 2024/25 IFAF European Championships on Saturday, October 19, kick off 5pm.
The last time the venue situated less than an hour from Dublin hosted the Wolfhounds, Ireland enjoyed a narrow win over Belgium. Now they open the continent’s Level 2 series of tournament games against a nation with a long international pedigree.
The Dutch Lions are among the early pioneers of American football in Europe and claimed the bronze medal at the 1991 Euros, beating France 17-12. The Netherlands return to the international stage for the first time since 2016 and join Ireland and Turkey in a group targeting promotion to Level 1.
“Our last trip to Navan Rugby club was in 2018, where we came out the right side of a one-point game, the final minutes of which had everything, last minutes scores, onside kicks, goal line stands,” says Ireland head coach Ciaran O’Sullivan. “The team very much appreciates the support of Navan RFC, who have hosted several American Football games. We always feel welcome in Navan and get a real sense of the appreciation Meath people hold for all sports.
“The last game there was electric and the atmosphere in the stands was pulsating. While we are looking forward to more of the same for this game, we are hoping for a little less electricity.”
Irish Wolfhounds Head Coach Ciaran O’Sullivan talking with players at the “Walk-Thru” before the game with Spain. Photo: Ian Humes
The time Ireland and the Netherlands met, in 2016, the game was postponed due to an electrical storm over the stadium, which started early in the third quarter.
“While both teams have evolved and the game has moved on, for those of us who were sitting in the stands that evening, looking at the spectacular light show above us, hopefully we will get some sense of closure,” added O’Sullivan.
The Irish squad has been preparing for the upcoming Euros at the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown and their ranks include an influx of players from the nation’s U19 team that recently played against Great Britain at the Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT) as part of the annual Aer Lingus College Football Classic played annually in Dublin.
“The growth in the Wolfhounds player group is reflective of the growth of the game here in Ireland,” explains O’Sullivan. “American Football Ireland’s partnership with the NFL Steelers, Jaguars and Jets has boosted the youth game here. The senior Wolfhounds are benefiting from this growth as we welcome players who have graduated from our youth team. This injection of youth changes the dynamic in the team as it drives improvement and competition for places.
“All of the players, coaches and support staff are firmly behind our philosophy of growing the team and everyone is working together to improve on and off the field. The mix of youth and experience working like this results in a very exciting brand of football.
“We all want to play to our potential and put on a great show, however, the focus in this game is to come away with the points,” adds O’Sullivan. “For the fan of Irish football there is an opportunity to see our best players based here and abroad in action and a chance to see a game up close and personal. You get to see what the game is all about, hear the tackles going in and feel the hits.”