Newcastle-born, Spence has a degree in Sport and Exercise & a Masters degree in Sport Psychology. She represented Ireland at the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup.
She works as a Rugby Development Officer for DCU, flexible hours enable her to keep up her coaching of several age-grade sides.
Having previously played netball from a young age, Sophie took up rugby at 21, following an Irish Exiles camp in London. The session was run by former Ireland coach Phillip Doyle and it was from this experience that Spence became interested in rugby.
She was a member of the Grand Slam of 2013 that help launch women’s rugby into the public domain, this was helped by a first-ever win over New Zealand on the way to a fourth-place finish at the 2014 World Cup.
In October 2015, Spence was nominated for World Women's Player of the Year award. She played a key role as Ireland claimed a second Six Nations title in three years in 2015 and was named Women's Player of the Year at the Rugby Writers of Ireland Awards.
The Ireland lock ran the Spence Rugby Academy over the summer of 2016, coaching girls of all ages to get involved in the sport.
The Old Belvedere clubwoman made her Test debut back in 2012. To date, she has won 31 caps for Ireland and is a member of the 2017 Women's 6 Nations squad.
(16/2/17)
AC
Career
 |
Ireland Women No 4 Lock |
2016 - 2017 |
