Ireland centre Sene Naoupu announces retirement from international rugby
Sene Naoupu has played 48 times for Ireland 15s side
©PA
Ireland centre Sene Naoupu has announced his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect.
Born in New Zealand, Naoupu made his Ireland debut in 2015 and went on to make 48 appearances scoring seven tries. She was also part of their 2017 World Cup squad and 2008, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Women's Six Nations competitions.
She also represented Ireland at the Sevens level.
“It is surreal,” said Naoupu.
“I look back to when we first came to Ireland in 2009 to Galway, I had the privilege of moving to Ireland as a supportive rugby wife and I never expected years later to be a rugby international.
“I’ve been involved in the national programme for the last 10 years and I’ve given all I can. 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.
"I’m at peace to evolve away from the international stage as a player, knowing I gave it everything I had.
“I want to acknowledge the giants of Irish rugby whose shoulders we stood on, I got to play alongside some of those Irish rugby legends.”
At the club level, Naoupu also represented Galwegians, Aylesford Bulls Ladies, Harlequins Ladies, Old Belvedere, Connacht and Leinster.
