Costigan focused on job at hand ahead of World Cup

Extra.ie​

3 days ago

One year ago, Amee-Leigh Costigan was in Paris representing Ireland at the Olympics in women's rugby 7's.
12 months on and Costigan is on the cusp of representing Ireland again on a world stage at the women's Rugby World Cup in England. Not every athlete gets a chance to be an Olympian playing in a World Cup and to complete all that in just over a year is some feat for the Tipperary woman.
And now heading into the World Cup warm-up match against Scotland in Cork, Amee-Leigh Costigan spoke about the impact becoming an Olympian had on her as a rugby player. Amee-Leigh Costigan at the Olympics for Team Ireland. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
'It's probably two similar mindsets for me. They're two huge pinnacle occasions in both sports and I am so grateful to be able to say that last summer, I got to go to the Olympics and this summer I'm preparing to put my hand up for a selection for a World Cup.
'The Olympics inspired me to be a better player, in every game that I play, ever session that I play. I think it's had a good effect on my mindset around how I want to be like the best version of myself on pitch and off pitch.' Vicky Elmes Kinlan, left, and Amee-Leigh Costigan of Ireland dejected after their side's loss against Scotland. Pic: Paul Devlin/Sportsfile
This Scotland game offers Ireland a chance to get one back after their disappointing defeat in the Six Nations. Ireland were gutted with their performance in Edinburgh in April where, even with the squad ravaged by injury, they performed well below their standards and loss to a try with the last play of the game.
Scotland have already played a game this summer, losing to Italy 34-29 in Viadana last week and have made six changes for this match as they're looking to finish their warm-up games on a high.
Meanwhile these games are ultimately in place to help Ireland prepare for the World Cup after a long nine-week training camp, these games against Scotland and Canada next week are the last chance for players to put up their hands and get a spot in the squad before their World Cup opener against Japan in just over three weeks' time. Ireland player celebrate at the final whistle of their WXV1 Pool match against New Zealand. Pic: Rich Lam / World Rugby via Sportsfile
Ireland are a bit of an unknown entity heading into this World Cup. From not qualifying for the last one in 2021 Ireland have risen rapidly back up to the top end of the World Rankings and have a win over defending World Cup champions New Zealand last year.
While some from the outside would say Ireland have a free hit next month, word from both coach and players would say otherwise. Head Coach Scott Bemand and lock Edel McMahon both have stated the aim of reaching the final four and a match in London.
Costigan as one of the leaders of this Ireland team opened up about a speech she gave the group at the beginning of the training block ahead of the World Cup, citing the Olympics and the challenges the event offers to athletes as humans. Amee-Leigh Costigan. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
'At the start of the very first block I stood up and spoke about what that Olympics experience felt like because it is going into a World Cup prep and that occasion would be just as big.
'So, I voiced my opinions on it and how I just looked at trying to be myself as much as possible and not to change too many things because you come out of it the exact same person you came into it. Yes, you get a title of being an Olympian, but at the end of the day I'm still Leigh. Like I could still walk out the door as Leigh, a normal person, a rugby player for my country. I think that's probably the message I put across.' Amee Leigh Costigan at the Olympics. Pic: Hugo Pfeiffer/Sportsfile
And while Costigan an Ireland are out there to do a job, the winger was also quick to highlight that the Ireland players need to also soak the experience of being in the World Cup.
'Also, the other message was around how big of an occasion it is and to embrace it. Don't let it overwhelm you because of the huge occasion it is because it can be like it can be very, very overwhelming.' Amee-Leigh Costigan celebrates scoring a try. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady
'I remember going into the village and we had the entire day to just walk in there and get our bearings, understand everything and I think that'll be really good when the squad heads over to England that we will have time to digest it all then digest this feeling of getting to the World Cup and how it actually feels and switching on.
'We're not there just to show up, but we really want to put in a performance. We want to make Ireland proud.'