Transition from GAA to playing for Ulster 'amazing experience'

Paige Smyth was part of Down's Junior All-Ireland winning team in 2023

Former Down Junior All-Ireland winner Paige Smyth has described her journey from being a GAA player to becoming a member of the Ulster women's rugby squad as "an amazing experience".

Smyth, who was a part of the winning Mourne squad in 2023, is one of a number of gaelic games participants who have made the switch to the oval ball in recent years.

The 21-year-old has made two appearances for Ulster in this year's women's interprovincial series and is part of the panel now preparing for a third-fourth place play-off against Connacht at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday.

The match will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website, with kick-off at 14:00 BST.

"From where I was 12 months ago to where I am now, the experiences I’ve had, how much I’ve progressed, being part of this set-up and atmosphere is amazing," Paige told BBC Sport NI.

“After that huge success [All-Ireland Junior title] I just said to myself, ‘If I don’t give this a try now I’m never going to', so I thought it was the right time to set a new goal and give something else a try.

“It took me a while to get used to, but with the support of the girls around me, I got the hang of it quickly.

"It [GAA skills] are definitely transferable so I wouldn’t let it put anyone off making the transition from gaelic games to rugby. It’s easily learnt."

'Same buzz and mentality'

Murray Houston has seen his side draw one and lose two of their interpro games so far this season

Wing Paige says there are differences between the two sporting disciplines, but also similarities.

“The competitive aspect is different. Gaelic is an amateur sport and people play it because they love it, it’s community and you play for the club you grew up in, whereas in rugby you can transfer clubs and you can get access to better coaching development.

"That aspect is different but it's the same kind of buzz, the same sort of mentality within both.

“With LGFA especially, for what we have as regards strength and conditioning, the nutrition, the commitment to training, I think the reason I am so successful now is down to the foundations that we have set there. Financially there is a lot more support in rugby but there are similarities there too."

Paige speaks highly of the spirit within the Ulster squad and explains that there is a determination to succeed.

“The drive, the buzz, the atmosphere within the team, I think it’s the start of something great in the years to come," she said.

“It’s a short series, we have 15 new caps, and these girls are only just getting to know each other. As we evolve and and get to know how each other play, and constantly get better, this weekend is a time to show those strengths that we have put in place.”

'Excellent athleticism'

GAA players must adapt to new skills such as tackling, back passing and staying onside on switching to rugby but Ulster head coach Murray Houston says it is a move they are well equipped to make.

“A lot of people coming from a GAA background, their attitude is very professional and they have excellent athleticism with a lot of the skills you require for rugby already," he said.

“Just a few things that need tweaking – passing the ball backwards, tackle techniques in rucks, those sort of intricacies. They add a lot with their athleticism, and also with the habits that they have."