Injury setbacks have built my resilience - Reilly

Aoibheann Reilly was a replacement in Ireland's Six Nations defeat by France

Women's Six Nations, Italy v Ireland

Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma Date: Sunday 30 March Kick-off: 15:00 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC Two NI, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website & app from 14:45

Having to overcome two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the space of nine months would be enough to break the spirit of many sportspeople.

But in the case of Ireland scrum-half Aoibheann Reilly, she is determined to use her experience of those setbacks to help her navigate her future rugby career and give her further incentive.

After initially battling her way back from her first serious knee injury in the autumn of 2023, the 24-year-old suffered a second ACL tear in last summer's SVNS Grand Final in Madrid.

That injury dashed her hopes of playing for Ireland Sevens in the Paris Olympic Games and the Roscommon woman only returned to competitive action when she played a part in the Clovers' Celtic Challenge matches in early March.

Last week Reilly was introduced off the bench as a replacement for Emily Lane to participate in the closing 25 minutes of Ireland's 27-15 defeat by France in their opening Six Nations encounter in Belfast.

This week she has been named in the starting line-up for Sunday's away encounter with Italy in Parma.

"I did my right ACL the first time and my left the second time. I had nine months of playing in between both. It was mentally very tough but I knew hopefully once I got it right that would be the end of me in terms of long-term injuries," explained Reilly.

"Coming back from the first one, I wanted to go to the Olympics and I also wanted that nine jersey for Ireland in the 15s game. I was really focused on putting my hand up for both teams.

"It was very tough but I had so many team-mates around me to support me and my family were amazing. Although it was a really tough moment, it really builds me as a player and builds my resilience.

"It was an experience that I wouldn't wish on anyone but I think it will really stand to me in the future."

'A very emotional moment'

Reilly added that turning out for Ireland against France last weekend after all her injury problems was a special moment.

"It was a very emotional moment standing there for the anthem," she said.

"When I tore my ACL before the Olympics for a second time I was just focusing on getting back for that France game and I knew everything had to go right on my rehab journey to get back on the pitch.

"That was a big moment for me and my family wearing the green again."

Having gone down to the French in their opener, Reilly believes Ireland can get their first win of this year's tournament on the board when they face Italy in Parma on Sunday.

"After last weekend we weren't happy with the performance we put out. At times we had phases that were really good but then we also weren't clinical enough," she added.

"This weekend that's a big focus for us. Going after the win that we know we're capable of.

"We know we have skilful players but at times we force things. In pressure moments, we just need to hold on to the ball and that's where we really need to execute.

"These away games we really need to go after. It's so important going into the World Cup in England being able to go away from home and get a win. "