Claire Molloy
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox rugby biography
| name = Claire Molloy
| image =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1988|6|22|df=y}} {{cite web|url=https://www.bristolrugby.co.uk/team/bristol-ladies-squad/claire-molloy/|title=Claire Molloy|publisher=www.bristolrugby.co.uk|accessdate=25 February 2018}}
| birth_place = County Galway, Ireland{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/40268.php#.WpRkmqhl_IU|title=In Pics: Claire Molloy - Ireland's WRWC 2017 Captain|publisher=www.irishrugby.ie|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804170100/http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/40268.php#.WpRkmqhl_IU|archive-date=4 August 2018|url-status=dead}}
| height = {{height|m=1.65}}
| weight = {{cvt|68|kg|lb stlb}}
| ru_position = Loose forward
| ru_currentteam = Bristol Bears
| school = Coláiste Iognáid{{cite web|url=http://colaisteiognaid.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/September-Newsletter.pdf|title=Coláiste Iognáid S.J. Sept, 2017|publisher=colaisteiognaid.ie|accessdate=28 February 2018|date=1 September 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://community.connachtrugby.ie/four-connacht-players-in-ireland-womens-squad-to-face-england/|title=Four Connacht Players in Ireland Women’s Squad to Face England|publisher=www.connachtrugby.ie|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=12 November 2015}}
| university = Cardiff University{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/twist-of-fate-led-claire-molloy-to-a-rugby-career-with-ireland-1.2959857|title=Twist of fate led Claire Molloy to a rugby career with Ireland|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=1 February 2017}}
| occupation = Doctor
| ru_clubyears = 2008–2009
2009–
2010–2018
2018-2022
2022-
| ru_proclubs = Cardiff Quins
Galwegians
Bristol Ladies
Wasps
Bristol Bears
| ru_clubcaps =
| ru_clubpoints =
| ru_clubupdate =
| ru_provinceyears1 = 2008–
2013–
| ru_province1 = Connacht
Irish Exiles
| ru_provinceapps1 =
| ru_provincepoints1 =
| ru_nationalyears = 2009–
| ru_nationalteam = {{nwrut|Ireland}}
| ru_nationalcaps =70 50 points
| repsevensyears1 = 20xx–
| repsevensteam1 = {{ru7w|IRE}}
| repsevenscomp1 =
}}
Claire Molloy is an Ireland women's rugby union international from Galway. Molloy represented Ireland at the 2010, 2014 and 2017 Women's Rugby World Cups. At the 2014 tournament she was a member of the Ireland team that defeated New Zealand and she captained Ireland at the 2017 tournament. She was also a member of the Ireland teams that won the 2013 and 2015 Women's Six Nations Championships. She is also an Ireland women's rugby sevens international and captained the Ireland team at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens. Molloy also played ladies' Gaelic football for {{GG|Galway|ladies' football}} and featured in the 2005 All-Ireland Senior Ladies' Football Championship final.
Family
Molloy was raised in a sporting family. Claire's father, Evan Molloy, is a prominent member of the Colaiste Iognáid (Jez) Rowing Club. Three of her siblings have also represented Ireland at international level in different sports. Her younger brother, Tim Molloy, is a former Republic of Ireland under-19 association football international and also played for University College Dublin A.F.C. Her sister, Emily Molloy, played as a goalkeeper for the Ireland women's national field hockey team at underage level and her older brother, Liam Molloy, rowed for Ireland up to under-23 level.{{cite web|url=https://galwaybayfm.ie/claire-molloy-irish-international-sporting-siblings/|title=Claire Molloy and her Irish International sporting siblings|publisher=galwaybayfm.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228041759/https://galwaybayfm.ie/claire-molloy-irish-international-sporting-siblings/|archive-date=28 February 2018|url-status=dead}}
Gaelic football
Molloy played Ladies' Gaelic football for {{GG|Galway|ladies' football}} and in 2005, aged 16, played in three finals for her county. On 30 April 2005 she played in the Ladies' National Football League final which Cork won 2–13 to 0–6.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/D0504133/5000/#28|title=Cork v Galway Ladies League Final Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=30 April 2005}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/strong-galway-can-retain-title-1.499880|title=Strong Galway can retain title|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=1 October 2005}} On 25 July 2005 she played in the All-Ireland Under-18 Ladies' Football Championship (minor) final against Donegal which Galway won 5–7 to 1–8.{{cite web|url=http://ladiesgaelic.ie/news/galway-claim-minor-honours/|title=Galway Claim Minor Honours|publisher=ladiesgaelic.ie|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=25 July 2005}} On 2 October 2005 she played in the 2005 All-Ireland Senior Ladies' Football Championship final which Cork won 1–11 to 0–8 {{cite web|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/D0510004/5000/|title=Galway v Cork - Ladies Senior Final Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=2 October 2005}} Other members of these Galway teams included Niamh Fahey and Annette Clarke.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/twist-of-fate-led-claire-molloy-to-a-rugby-career-with-ireland-1.2959857|title=Twist of fate led Claire Molloy to a rugby career with Ireland|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=1 February 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/strong-galway-can-retain-title-1.499880|title=Strong Galway can retain title|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=1 October 2005}}{{cite web|url=http://www.the42.ie/claire-molloy-ireland-womens-rugby-1338538-Mar2014/|title=Claire Molloy: The woman who gave up her All-Ireland dreams to chase a Grand Slam|publisher=www.the42.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=1 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.the42.ie/10-athletes-who-have-faced-the-cork-ladies-2345458-Sep2015/|title=These 10 top Irish female athletes have experienced the wrath of Cork|publisher=www.the42.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=24 September 2015}} Molloy played for Galway up to 2011.{{cite web|url=http://dublinladiesgaelic.ie/news-detail/89267/|title=Dubs - Time To Rewrite The History Books!|publisher=dublinladiesgaelic.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=3 August 2011}}
Rugby union
=Clubs=
Molloy switched codes from Ladies' Gaelic football to women's rugby union while attending Cardiff University where she studied medicine. She initially played for Cardiff Quins, making her debut in the WWRU National Cup final which Quins won.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/twist-of-fate-led-claire-molloy-to-a-rugby-career-with-ireland-1.2959857|title=Twist of fate led Claire Molloy to a rugby career with Ireland|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=1 February 2017}} She was also a Cardiff Quins player when she made her debut for the Ireland women's national rugby union team.{{cite web|url=https://community.connachtrugby.ie/clare-molloy-makes-irish-squad/|title=Clare Molloy makes Irish squad|publisher=www.connachtrugby.ie|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=5 February 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://irishrugby.ie/rugby/fixturesandresults/5260.php|title=Women Secure First Ever Victory Over France|publisher=www.irishrugby.ie|accessdate=27 December 2017|date=6 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229114354/https://irishrugby.ie/rugby/fixturesandresults/5260.php|archive-date=29 December 2017|url-status=dead}} Molloy subsequently joined Bristol Ladies and on summer trips home from university she also played for Galwegians.{{cite web|url=http://www.the42.ie/claire-molloy-ireland-womens-rugby-1338538-Mar2014/|title=Claire Molloy: The woman who gave up her All-Ireland dreams to chase a Grand Slam|publisher=www.the42.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=1 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://community.connachtrugby.ie/molloy-confirmed-ireland-captain-womens-rugby-world-cup/|title=Molloy confirmed as Ireland captain for Women’s Rugby World Cup|publisher=www.connachtrugby.ie|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=2 August 2017}} Together with Sarah Hunter and Carys Phillips, Molloy was one of three Bristol Ladies players to captain their countries at the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup. Hunter and Phillips captained England and Wales respectively. Molloy moved to Wasps in 2018,{{cite web|url=https://www.bristolrugby.co.uk/news/bristol-ladies-trio-to-lead-world-cup-efforts-as-captains/|title=Bristol Ladies Trio To Lead World Cup Efforts As Captains|publisher=www.bristolrugby.co.uk|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=3 August 2017}} before returning to Bristol in 2022{{Cite web|title=Ireland International Claire Molloy returns to Bears|url=https://www.bristolbearsrugby.com/news/ireland-international-claire-molloy-returns-to-bears/|access-date=2022-09-15|website=Bristol Bears Rugby|language=en}}
=Provincial level=
Molloy has represented Connacht in the IRFU Women's Interprovincial Series.{{cite web|url=https://community.connachtrugby.ie/four-connacht-players-in-ireland-womens-squad-to-face-england/|title=Four Connacht Players in Ireland Women’s Squad to Face England|publisher=www.connachtrugby.ie|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=12 November 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.the42.ie/claire-molloy-ireland-womens-rugby-1338538-Mar2014/|title=Claire Molloy: The woman who gave up her All-Ireland dreams to chase a Grand Slam|publisher=www.the42.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=1 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.connachtrugby.ie/two-connacht-players-in-ireland-womens-7s-squad/|title=Two Connacht players in Ireland Women's 7s Squad|publisher=www.connachtrugby.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018}} She has also played for the Irish Exiles.{{cite web|url=http://www.wru.co.uk/m/eng/news/24750.php|title=Ireland announce strong squad|publisher=www.wru.co.uk|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=30 January 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/mobile/en/news/17488.php |title=Correction: Ireland Women's Team to Play England|publisher=www.sixnationsrugby.com|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=8 February 2013}}
=Ireland international=
On 6 February 2009, Molloy made her debut for the Ireland women's national rugby union team when she came on as replacement in a 7–5 win against France. This was the first time the Ireland Women had beaten France.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/40268.php#.WpRkmqhl_IU|title=In Pics: Claire Molloy - Ireland's WRWC 2017 Captain|publisher=www.irishrugby.ie|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804170100/http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/40268.php#.WpRkmqhl_IU|archive-date=4 August 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://community.connachtrugby.ie/clare-molloy-makes-irish-squad/|title=Clare Molloy makes Irish squad|publisher=www.connachtrugby.ie|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=5 February 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://irishrugby.ie/rugby/fixturesandresults/5260.php|title=Women Secure First Ever Victory Over France|publisher=www.irishrugby.ie|accessdate=27 December 2017|date=6 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229114354/https://irishrugby.ie/rugby/fixturesandresults/5260.php|archive-date=29 December 2017|url-status=dead}} Molloy went onto represent Ireland at the 2010, 2014 and 2017 Women's Rugby World Cups. At the 2014 tournament she was a member of the Ireland team that defeated New Zealand. She captained the Ireland team at the 2017 tournament, replacing an injured Niamh Briggs. Molloy was also a member of the Ireland teams that won the 2013 and 2015 Women's Six Nations Championships.{{cite web|url=http://www.the42.ie/claire-molloy-ireland-3102639-Nov2016/|title=Ireland's Claire Molloy on life as a doctor and the time she played with the Connacht men's team|publisher=www.the42.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=27 November 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40803971|title=Women's Rugby World Cup: Claire Molloy named as Ireland captain|publisher=www.bbc.co.uk|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=2 August 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/wrwc/40263.php#.WpLdq6hl_IU|title=Claire Molloy Confirmed As Ireland Women's World Cup Captain|publisher=www.irishrugby.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228173127/http://www.irishrugby.ie/wrwc/40263.php#.WpLdq6hl_IU|archive-date=28 February 2018|url-status=dead}}
Molloy is also an Ireland women's rugby sevens international and captained the Ireland Sevens team at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/40268.php#.WpRkmqhl_IU|title=In Pics: Claire Molloy - Ireland's WRWC 2017 Captain|publisher=www.irishrugby.ie|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804170100/http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/40268.php#.WpRkmqhl_IU|archive-date=4 August 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40803971|title=Women's Rugby World Cup: Claire Molloy named as Ireland captain|publisher=www.bbc.co.uk|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=2 August 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/wrwc/40263.php#.WpLdq6hl_IU|title=Claire Molloy Confirmed As Ireland Women's World Cup Captain|publisher=www.irishrugby.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228173127/http://www.irishrugby.ie/wrwc/40263.php#.WpLdq6hl_IU|archive-date=28 February 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://olympics.ie/news/6154-ireland-womens-rugby-sevens.html|title=Ireland Women's Rugby Sevens|publisher=olympics.ie|accessdate=28 March 2018|date=5 September 2012}} She also represented the Ireland Sevens at the 2013 European Women's Sevens Grand Prix Series{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/28088.php#.W2SLRfZFxy0|title=Plate Success For Ireland Women In Brive|publisher=www.irishrugby.ie|accessdate=2 August 2018|date=3 June 2013}} and the 2015 Rugby Europe Women's Sevens Championships.{{cite web|url=https://www.connachtrugby.ie/two-connacht-players-in-ireland-womens-7s-squad/|title=Two Connacht players in Ireland Women's 7s Squad|publisher=www.connachtrugby.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018}}
Molloy took a break from international rugby at the start of the 2020 season to concentrate on her medical career. She returned in September 2020 in time for the rescheduled 2020 Women's Six Nations Championship game against Italy.
In the 2021 Women's Six Nations Championship she started against Wales and France but did not make the match-day 23 for the play-off game against Italy.{{Cite web|last=Farrell|first=Sinead|title='She's got things she can still work on' - Griggs on omission of former Ireland captain for Italy clash|url=https://www.the42.ie/claire-molloy-ireland-2-5417371-Apr2021/|access-date=2021-04-23|website=The42|language=en}}
On 28 September 2021, Molloy announced her retirement from international rugby.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishrugby.ie/2021/09/28/molloy-calls-time-on-illustrious-career/|title=Molloy Calls Time On Illustrious Career|date=28 September 2021|work=Irishrugby.ie|accessdate= 28 September 2021}}
Doctor
Molloy is qualified as a doctor. She studied medicine at Cardiff University, where her classmates included Jamie Roberts.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/twist-of-fate-led-claire-molloy-to-a-rugby-career-with-ireland-1.2959857|title=Twist of fate led Claire Molloy to a rugby career with Ireland|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=1 February 2017}} She has worked as an A&E doctor in Abergavenny and at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.{{cite web|url=http://www.the42.ie/claire-molloy-ireland-3102639-Nov2016/|title=Ireland's Claire Molloy on life as a doctor and the time she played with the Connacht men's team|publisher=www.the42.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=27 November 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/foodanddrink/resolution-freezone--irish-rugby-star-claire-molloy-465284.html|title=Resolution-free zone - Irish rugby star Claire Molloy|publisher=www.irishexaminer.com|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=5 January 2018}}{{Cite web|last=Farrell|first=Sinead|title='One of the hardest things is loneliness for patients. We're used to seeing a relative hold their hand'|url=https://www.the42.ie/claire-molloy-ireland-rugby-5393199-Mar2021/|access-date=2021-04-09|website=The42|language=en}}
Honours
===Rugby union===
- Women's Six Nations Championship
- Winners: 2013, 2015
- Grand Slam
- Winners: 2013
- Triple Crown
- Winners: 2013, 2015
- WWRU National Cup
- Winners: 2008 ?
;Individual
- 2012 Ireland Women's Player of the Year
- 2017 Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Women's Player of the Year
- 2017
===Gaelic football===
;{{GG|Galway|ladies' football}}
- All-Ireland Under-18 Ladies' Football Championship
- Winners: 2005
- All-Ireland Senior Ladies' Football Championship
- Runners Up: 2005
- Ladies' National Football League
- Runners Up: 2005
{{small|Source:{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/twist-of-fate-led-claire-molloy-to-a-rugby-career-with-ireland-1.2959857|title=Twist of fate led Claire Molloy to a rugby career with Ireland|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=1 February 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://ladiesgaelic.ie/news/galway-claim-minor-honours/|title=Galway Claim Minor Honours|publisher=ladiesgaelic.ie|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=25 July 2005}}{{cite web|url=http://www.the42.ie/claire-molloy-ireland-womens-rugby-1338538-Mar2014/|title=Claire Molloy: The woman who gave up her All-Ireland dreams to chase a Grand Slam|publisher=www.the42.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=1 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40803971|title=Women's Rugby World Cup: Claire Molloy named as Ireland captain|publisher=www.bbc.co.uk|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=2 August 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/wrwc/40263.php#.WpLdq6hl_IU|title=Claire Molloy Confirmed As Ireland Women's World Cup Captain|publisher=www.irishrugby.ie|accessdate=25 February 2018|date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228173127/http://www.irishrugby.ie/wrwc/40263.php#.WpLdq6hl_IU|archive-date=28 February 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/40776.php#.WpV8TOjFLIU|title=Murray And Molloy Pick Up Rugby Writers Awards|publisher=www.irishrugby.ie|accessdate=26 February 2018|date=1 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105190631/http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/40776.php#.WpV8TOjFLIU|archive-date=5 November 2017|url-status=dead}} }}
References
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Ireland 2010 WRWC Squad}}
{{Ireland 2014 WRWC Squad}}
{{Ireland 2017 WRWC Squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Molloy, Claire}}
Category:Irish female rugby union players
Category:Ireland women's international rugby union players
Category:Ireland international women's rugby sevens players
Category:Irish rugby sevens players
Category:Alumni of Cardiff University
Category:Galway inter-county ladies' Gaelic footballers
Category:Rugby union players from County Galway
Category:Connacht Rugby women's players
Category:Ladies' Gaelic footballers who switched code
Category:21st-century Irish medical doctors
Category:Irish Exiles women's rugby union players
Category:Medical doctors from County Galway
Category:People educated at Coláiste Iognáid
Category:Irish expatriate rugby union players in England
Category:Expatriate rugby league players in England
Category:Irish expatriate rugby union players in Wales
Category:Wasps Women rugby players