Sene Naoupu, who debuted in 2015 during Ireland's winning year at the Six Nations, has officially announced her retirement from international rugby. She has also represented Ireland at the World Cup and played for the Ireland women’s rugby international sevens team.
. @SeneNaoupu has announced her retirement from international rugby.
Congratulations Sene on a stellar career!
48 Caps
30 Points
1 Six Nations Championship#SeneNaoupu #IrishRugby #WomenSport #HerSport #IrishWomensRugby #SportsNews pic.twitter.com/DQDvqnWtPy— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) August 15, 2022
Naoupu told the Irish Times ‘Like the other girls I’ve dedicated my heart and soul to serve the team in the green jersey and I consider it a privilege that I get to retire on my own terms’.
Naoupu started rugby at the age of 13 in New Zealand, and during her youth she played for North Otago and Hawke's Bay. During her twenties, she moved to Ireland with her husband and continued the sport there.
Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Her many accolades include being named the Guinness Rugby Writers Women’s Player of the Year in 2016 and the IRUPA Women’s Player of the Year.
In addition, in 2016, she was listed by the Irish Times as one of the thirty most influential women in Ireland and the Irish Examiner listed her as the 10th most influential woman in Irish Sport.
Naoupu is a living legend of Irish women's Rugby and will be missed from the sport, but shares her intentions of still being involved in sport as a lifestyle coach and fitness trainer.
Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
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