Ireland international Niamh O’Dowd signs for Gloucester Hartpury
The twenty five year old joins the three-time Premiership Women’s Rugby champions as injury cover
Gloucester Hartpury have signed Ireland international Niamh O’Dowd as injury cover for the 2025/6 season.
The twenty five year old joins the three-time Premiership Women’s Rugby champions after a standout year, which included scoring a try against Scotland in the warm-up for the Rugby World Cup.
O’Dowd has played 20 times for Ireland and was nominated for the 2025 Rugby Players Ireland Award.
She’ll be joining fellow internationals Neve Jones, Sam Monaghan and El Perry at The Circus.
Head Coach Dan Murphy says O’Dowd’s experience and power will be a major boost for the squad.
'Excited'
Speaking on her move, O’Dowd said: “I’m excited to step into the PWR and to join such a driven and talented group at Gloucester Hartpury.
“The club’s success over the past few seasons speaks for itself, being three-time champions doesn’t happen by accident, and the standards set by the coaching team and wider environment really stood out to me.
“Having Neve, Sam and El as well makes the move feel even more like the right fit. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and I can’t wait to get involved.”
Head Coach, Dan Murphy, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Niamh into the squad. She’s demonstrated her quality consistently at international level, and her power, work rate and set-piece nous will be valuable assets for us.
“With injuries in the front row, bringing someone of Niamh’s calibre is a major boost, and we're looking forward to seeing the impact she makes during her time with us."