WHO knew rugby and jiu-jitsu could mix?

Recently, Bantry Bay Adventures organised a camp where the local 4 Honor Academy (jiu-jitsu) hosted seminars for the Munster U17 and U18 girls’ rugby squads.

Sixty players assembled in West Cork for two days of activities that included jiu-jitsu, hiking and relaxation sessions. The trip proved so successful that Munster Rugby now plans to return, and bring even more teams.

Day one saw the squads travel to Whiddy Island for an around-the-island challenge and a jiu-jitsu exhibition class, with some top names in attendance – including well-known Cork fighter Rosa Walsh, one of the coaches on the day.

The group then moved to the West Cork Jesters facility in Durrus, where they camped overnight before heading to Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí for a full day of rugby.

‘Our time with Bantry Bay Adventures was nothing short of exceptional,’ said Ken Imbusch, Munster Rugby Women’s Rugby Development Lead.

‘The programme was full of energy, activity and adventure, but it also delivered everything you hope for when bringing a group together.

‘It built teamwork, encouraged communication and created a real sense of connection, all while making sure everyone had fun.

‘We came away with stronger relationships, new skills, plenty of laughs and memories we’ll carry for a long time.’

4 Honor founder Barry O’Donovan is passionate about both mixed martial arts and rugby. He’s currently involved with the West Cork Warriors, an U21 side drawing players from Skibbereen, Clonakilty, Bandon, Ballincollig and Bantry, and has already introduced some jiu-jitsu training to them.

‘We’ve been using jiu-jitsu to help rugby clubs around West Cork for a few years,’ O’Donovan explained.

‘Munster Rugby heard about it, reached out and said they’d be interested in coming down for a few days. They call it a residential camp – staying away from the rugby pitch and doing different activities.’

The players struck gold with the weather, and the set-up was pure West Cork hospitality.

‘The campsite was at the Jesters’ grounds. We put out a hot tub and jacuzzi, built a bonfire, and cooked crab and lobster for the players. They had a blast – best trip they ever had, I’d say,’ O’Donovan laughed.

He believes jiu-jitsu can help rugby players far beyond Bantry – particularly in injury prevention.

‘A lot of injuries in rugby come from hitting the ground,’ he explained.

‘The All Blacks and other southern hemisphere teams have been using jiu-jitsu, judo and wrestling for years. It’s still new in Ireland, but clubs are starting to use it now.

There’s a lot of crossover – balance, speed, power, and using technique to gain an advantage. It also teaches players how to fall safely, without breaking your neck or arm.’

Back in January, 4 Honor sent six fighters to compete at the European Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Lisbon, further proof of the club’s growing presence. Now, with its work extending into rugby and schools, O’Donovan says the momentum is building.

‘It’s massive for us. We already coach in schools, but having a team like Munster come down – for me, that’s a dream come true,’ he said.

‘Rugby and jiu-jitsu are my two passions. I coach both, so I can see clearly how one helps the other.

‘Teaching people how to fall correctly is the most important part of it. In judo, you might land 50 times per session – and once you know how to do it right, it doesn’t hurt anymore.’