Rugby here is more than a sport – it’s part of the culture. What impressed us most is how many young people play rugby. Many schools include it in their sports programs, and a lot of teenagers train regularly in local clubs. This strong youth system helps Ireland develop so many talented players.

A personal highlight for me (Etienne) was watching a match played by my host mom’s grandson. Seeing how passionate even young kids are made it clear how important rugby is for families in Ireland.

We also kept up with recent rugby news. Ireland unfortunately lost to New Zealand recently, which disappointed many fans. Still, people continued to support the team, saying that losses are simply part of the sport.

Ireland has four major provincial teams: Leinster, Munster, Ulster, and Connacht. Each team has a loyal fanbase and plays a key role in developing players for the national squad.

What stands out to us most is the mix of toughness and respect. Even though rugby is a very physical game, sportsmanship and discipline always come first. That combination is a big reason why rugby means so much to people in Ireland.