A duo from Whitchurch have joined the front of the queue to become Ireland’s newest rugby stars.

Seventeen-year-old twins Joshua and Lecky Dunne have been selected to play for Ireland, in the under-18s squad and the women's underage rugby 7s squad, respectively.

From joining Whitchurch Rugby Club aged 10, Joshua has moved around various clubs, from Crewe and Nantwich Rugby Club to Nottingham Rugby Academy. 

Joshua has also played for Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers’ academies, Lancashire County under-18s and has an international cap to his name after being selected to play for Ireland’s under-18 team against Portugal.

Lecky is not far off her brother either. 

Having been a Cheshire County hockey player, she has only recently made the jump to rugby.

After competing in trials for the Irish Rugby Football Union, Lecky was selected to join Ireland’s women’s rugby 7s underage squad, regularly training with them in Ireland.

To keep herself fit inbetween camps, Lecky continues to play hockey for Denstone College, and also trains with her brother and other male rugby players at Denstone - the only girl to have ever done so.

Her exploits have also led her to play for Crewe and Nantwich’s women's rugby team, which in turn has allowed her to play for the Cheshire County under-18s squad.

Their mum Alison continued: “As parents we are so very proud. 

“Sports mean everything to Lecky and Joshua, their goals are being reached through hard work and commitment and a lot of driving around the country by mum and dad.

“Their determination has always kept them looking forward to the next step, and as twins they encourage and compete with each other which keeps pushing them on. 

“Their younger brother Ciarán is coming up behind them, his ambitions also set on rugby, so exciting times ahead.”