TOUCH of CLASS

OR A decade, whether it was in sevens or 15s, the name Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe struck fear into opponents.

- PAT MCCARRY

One of the best sevens players in the world, AMEE-LEIGH COSTIGAN is proving just as accomplished in the world of 15s

A lightning-quick operator who could beat you as easily on the inside as outside, Murphy Crowe was one of the most lethal finishers in the women's game. Near the end of 2024, though, it was time for a change.

“That was completely my call,” says the newly married Amee-Leigh Costigan on taking her husband Neil's surname. “Before getting married I was thinking I'd keep my name as I'm quite well known for it. It's a brand of mine that I carry. But I feel I've never changed who I am throughout my journey. So just because I had a different name wouldn't change anything. It would just mean that I get to bring my new family name out and do it very proud. “I went to Dubai and played under Murphy Crowe,” she adds, “and there I got my 200th try. It was such a massive moment for myself, my family and the Irish team. It’s important to see an Irish flag up there in the all-time top three (sevens) try-scorers when it comes onscreen during games.”

It’s an altered name but the same old Amee-Leigh. During the Six Nations, the Tipperary native captained Ireland for the home games against England and France, blazed in a couple of fine tries and prevented a couple more with some all-out defensive interventions. For a player who made her name on the sevens circuit, her performances in 15s showed why she is so coveted in both formats of the game.