Our latest student story features Lucinda Kinghan, a Professional Rugby Player with the Ireland Women’s 7s team and a graduate of the Diploma in Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning.
Lucinda shares insights into her rugby journey, stand-out career moments and preparing for life after rugby. Lucinda was recently awarded Women’s 7s Players’ Player of the Year.
From Sibling Rivalry to International Rugby
Lucinda started playing rugby at 15 during her time at Monaghan Collegiate School.
“It wasn’t something I had planned. I started playing simply because my older sister was involved, and I wanted to be better than her. What began as a bit of sibling rivalry quickly grew into a real passion for the sport,” Lucinda shared.
Encouraged by supportive coaches and parents, Lucinda progressed through the ranks, eventually earning a place on the Ireland U18 7s squad for the European Championships.
“In 2018, I was invited into the Women’s 7s programme. That was the moment everything changed; it marked the start of my professional rugby journey,” she said.
Representing Ireland
“Representing my country has been an incredible honour, and I’ve been fortunate to experience some truly unforgettable moments along the way.”
One of those was earning her first cap in Ukraine—“a special milestone,” she said, “made even more meaningful by sharing it with teammates I had grown up playing with at underage level.”
In 2024, Lucinda earned her first World Series cap in Perth, helping Ireland win their first HSBC World Series event. She went on to score her first international try in LA and contributed to a strong team performance against Brazil in Singapore.
But for Lucinda, it’s the shared experience that means the most.
“The opportunity to travel the world and create lifelong memories with my best friends is something truly special and something I’ll always be grateful for.”
Life as a Professional Athlete
The 7s season is intense, with training four days a week and Wednesdays reserved for recovery. Sessions at the High Performance Centre in Dublin include mobility, gym, pitch work.
“We’ve got an amazing team of coaches and S&C staff who do a great job managing our load and keeping us in top shape.”
Lucinda’s dedication and impact was recognised this year when she was voted TritonLake Women’s 7s Players’ Player of the Year.
“It’s a really special award because it’s voted by my teammates, they’re the people I go through everything with,” she explained.“It means a lot to know that my teammates see and value my contribution, and I’ll continue to do everything I can to represent our team the best way possible, so for them to pick me is something I’ll always be proud of.”
Diploma in Personal Training and S&C
Completing the Diploma in Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning has helped Lucinda both as an athlete and in preparing for life after rugby.
“I’ve always had a huge passion for the gym, personal training, and strength and conditioning; it’s a field I’d love to pursue after rugby, so the course felt like a natural next step,” she explained.
Setanta’s flexible delivery allowed her to manage her rugby schedule alongside her studies.
“Lectures are recorded, which meant I could catch up after training or even while travelling. The staff and lecturers were incredibly understanding and always easy to contact. For anyone balancing a busy or demanding schedule, Setanta is honestly the perfect fit,” she noted.
The knowledge gained has also made a noticeable difference on the pitch.
“It’s given me a better understanding of how to improve specific areas of my performance on the pitch through targeted work in the gym. Knowing the science behind what we do in training has helped me become more intentional with my preparation and recovery and I think that’s what made a real difference.”
Lucinda is also a qualified PE and Biology teacher, something she factored into her decision to pursue the Diploma, especially as PE is now an exam subject.
“I’ve always been drawn to teaching, it’s a chance to make a positive impact, and it ties in really well with my passion for sport and movement. I wanted to keep developing professionally so that when I go back into teaching, I have a strong knowledge base and can give my students the best possible learning experience.”
Growing the Women’s Game
Lucinda is excited about the future of the women’s game. Recent events like the U20 Women’s Six Nations and the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup are signals of a sport on the rise.
“It’s amazing to see how skilled and competitive the younger players are at such an early age. It shows how much the game has grown and how strong the next generation is going to be.”
Still, she’s eager to see more progress, especially in terms of investment and opportunities for female players.
“Being a contracted professional in sport is a massive privilege, and it’s something I don’t take for granted. But looking ahead, I’d love to see continued progress in terms of financial support and an increase in the number of contracts available. More investment means more opportunity, and that’s how the game will keep growing.”
Looking Ahead
A torn ACL at the end of the 2025 season forced Lucinda to pause and reflect. While recovery is now the priority, she’s already looking ahead.
“This injury has given me a chance to challenge myself academically again, and I’m considering another course with Setanta while I rehab.”
Having completed the Diploma in Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning, Lucinda feels better equipped for life beyond the pitch.
“It gives me a solid foundation for life after rugby. It’s something I can work on alongside my playing career, and it’s helped me feel more prepared for what comes next.”
Looking ahead, Lucinda is focused on giving back.
“I think both teaching and training complement each other well, and they both give me purpose beyond the pitch. I’d love to have a positive impact on young people through physical education. I’m especially passionate about working with students of all abilities, including those who are differently abled, to help make PE a space where every student can build a positive relationship with movement and physical activity,” she shared.
Learn more about the Diploma in Personal Training and S&C here.
