Fitzpatrick’s Garages, the main Opel dealer in County Kildare, has announced the appointment of Erin King as its Opel Brand Ambassador. To mark the occasion, Erin was presented with a brand-new Opel Frontera. As the official car partner to the Irish Rugby Football Union and a longstanding supporter of Irish Rugby, Opel Ireland is proud to see Erin take on this role with Fitzpatrick’s Garages as she prepares to lead Ireland in the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations. The Old Belvedere RFC back row is widely recognised for her determination and leadership, and her appointment reflects the exciting momentum behind Irish Women’s Rugby as the team looks ahead to a landmark Six Nations fixture at Aviva Stadium.
Speaking at the presentation, Sean Lyons, CEO of Fitzpatrick’s Garages, said:
“We are incredibly proud to welcome Erin as an Opel Brand Ambassador for Fitzpatrick’s Garages. As we celebrate 75 years in business in 2026, partnering with an athlete of Erin’s calibre is particularly meaningful. This year has been a landmark one for our group, having achieved the automotive equivalent of a Triple Crown, winning National Franchised Sales, Aftersales, and the ZEVI SEAI Electric Vehicle Dealership of the Year for Leinster at the Society of the Irish Motor Industry Awards. We are delighted to support Erin as she prepares to lead Ireland in the weeks ahead and look forward to building a strong and successful partnership. Hopefully, Erin joining our trophy-laden cabinet is a positive omen for the upcoming Six Nations.”
James Brooks, Managing Director of Opel Ireland, added:
“Opel has been a committed partner to Irish Rugby for many years, and our support for the women’s game continues to grow. Erin King is an exceptional talent and an inspiring role model for the next generation of players.Her journey, from overcoming a serious injury to captaining her country, reflects the resilience and determination that Opel is proud to stand behind. We look forward to seeing her lead Ireland in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations and to strengthening our relationship with Fitzpatrick’s Garages.”
Born in Sydney and raised in Dubai and Doha before settling in Blessington, County Wicklow, Erin’s path to the top of Irish rugby has been anything but conventional. She began playing at Naas RFC and progressed through Leinster and Ireland Under-18 level, earning recognition as a Player of National Interest at just 17. Erin made her senior Ireland Sevens debut at the Dubai Sevens in December 2021 and went on to represent Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Her transition to the 15s format has been equally impressive, highlighted by a standout performance against New Zealand in Ireland’s historic WXV1 victory over the Black Ferns in September 2024, where she scored two tries.
That breakthrough season saw her named World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year at the 2024 World Rugby Awards. After overcoming a serious knee injury that threatened her career, Erin returned to action in January 2026 and was subsequently appointed captain of the Ireland Women’s 15s team, becoming the youngest player ever to lead the side. This partnership between Fitzpatrick’s Garages and Erin King reflects a shared commitment to performance, resilience and ambition, as both look ahead to an exciting year for Irish rugby.
