Reilly believes the first series will inspire a new generation

Scrum-half Reilly has worn the green shirt for both the sevens and 15-a-side teams, and with a year to go until the opening match of the series in New Zealand - with a three-Test series versus the Black Ferns and fixtures against invitational sides ahead - the Irishwoman is relishing a ground-breaking moment for women’s rugby.

Ireland get back to international action in the WXV Global Series this autumn, hosting Japan and the United States this month before travelling to South Africa for two Tests in October.

As the Howden British & Irish Lions tour draws closer, and players look to stake their claim to get a seat on the plane to New Zealand, Reilly is brimming with excitement.

“It feels unreal to be just a year away from the Howden British & Irish Lions Women’s series,” Reilly said. “I grew up watching the Lions, but I never thought it would be a prospect for me as a player.

“When the series was announced, everyone in rugby circles was extremely excited, and I am delighted that the women’s game has been given attention.

“There’s going to be an amazing build-up and so much excitement around international fixtures this season. It’s well deserved for women’s rugby to match the men’s game – it’s the pinnacle of the sport.

“And in Ireland, the growth of women’s rugby has been exponential, in terms of on-pitch performances and attendances. The Lions tour will be really important for the game in Ireland and make role models.

“It will grow the sport even more and we already saw the huge Irish representation in the men’s tour.”

The Connacht co-captain and Wolfhounds player in the Celtic Challenge is part of Ballinasloe RFC’s famous rugby family which includes her brother Colm, who plays his rugby at Connacht.

As the milestone tour draws closer for the women’s game, founding partners of the Howden British & Irish Lions, Royal London, have given four clubs across the UK and Ireland grants of £10,000, recognising and supporting their efforts to promote women’s and girls’ rugby.

Fethard & District RFC were awarded a grant for their efforts to bring women and girls into the game, with nine-in-10 of their junior players coming from families with no previous rugby background.

Reilly admitted she was fortunate to be part of a rugby family, coached by her father Stephen at her hometown club in Galway.

She said: “I played mini rugby with my brothers all the time, and we created the first ever girls’ team.

“Béibhinn Parsons, Méabh Deeley and I all came from a small club in rural Galway to the national team.

“The biggest thing, especially in rural clubs, is player retention, and when players are introduced into the game, you want to see them enjoy themselves and play all the way into senior rugby.

“And in rural areas which are predominantly GAA areas, where women and girls don’t see as much rugby being played, they might play camogie or Gaelic football growing up. It’s incredible to see the difference each Euro makes.”