The 2025/26 rugby season kicked off at Balreask Old with a full slate of matches for Navan RFC’s senior men’s teams across the McGowan Cup, Jenkinson Cup, and Leinster Senior League. While results went against the club, there were plenty of positives to build on as new players made their debuts and younger talent gained valuable senior experience.
A youthful Navan 1st XV squad opened their Leinster Senior League campaign against a powerful Dublin University side. Despite a difficult afternoon on the scoreboard, the match provided vital experience as the group continues to develop under new Head Coach Ryan “Robbo” Roberts.
A youthful Navan 1st XV squad opened their Leinster Senior League campaign against a powerful Dublin University side. Despite a difficult afternoon on the scoreboard, the match provided vital experience as the group continues to develop under new Head Coach Ryan “Robbo” Roberts.
- Captain Conor “Bear” Hand led from number 8, working tirelessly in attack and defence.
- Lithuanian international Karolis “Karlos” Navickas brought valuable experience in the second row.
- Noah Kavanagh showed sharp distribution and energy at scrum-half.
- On the wing, Mark Coen worked hard both with and without the ball, demonstrating his pace and fitness after a strong preseason.
Navan Men’s 1st XV (sponsored by Hannon Travel):
James Wyse, Gary Faulkner, Jordan Finney, Rokas Lipinskas, Karolis Navickas, Matthew Conlon, Andrew Beggy, Conor Hand (Capt), Noah Kavanagh, Cillian Farrell, Mark Coen, Michael Callaghan, Cormac Horan, Cian Quigley, Shane Walshe.
Replacements: Cormac Kenny, Evin Harnett, Ciarmhac Ó Fionnagáin, Andrew Keating, Thomas Kearn, Lorcan Ivors, James Duffy, Ben McCreary.
James Wyse, Gary Faulkner, Jordan Finney, Rokas Lipinskas, Karolis Navickas, Matthew Conlon, Andrew Beggy, Conor Hand (Capt), Noah Kavanagh, Cillian Farrell, Mark Coen, Michael Callaghan, Cormac Horan, Cian Quigley, Shane Walshe.
Replacements: Cormac Kenny, Evin Harnett, Ciarmhac Ó Fionnagáin, Andrew Keating, Thomas Kearn, Lorcan Ivors, James Duffy, Ben McCreary.
Despite a tough opening weekend, there are plenty of positives as new and young players continue to gain valuable experience. The support of the Navan faithful will be vital as all three men’s teams look to bounce back in the weeks ahead.
