Irish Rugby: IRFU strategic plan’s emphasis on growing women’s game ‘hugely positive’

Ireland Under-20s head coach Niamh Briggs says the emphasis on the development of the women’s game in the Irish Rugby Football Union’s recently unveiled strategic plan is “hugely positive”.

The plan, which runs from 2024 to 2028, has set out five areas in which to improve different aspects of the women’s game.

These include a focus on the grassroots game, creating winning teams, leadership and governance, investment and revenue as well as a change in visibility and engagement.

According to the IRFU, a new women’s strategy implementation lead will be appointed by the end of 2024 to oversee the delivery of these aims.

“I think the biggest thing is that the IRFU recognise that the game is evolving at such a rapid rate that they’re trying to probably put things in place around that performance element so that we can close the gaps to other nations,” said Briggs.

“I thought it was hugely positive to see around that strategy plan that lots of things were around just rugby and performance, and getting the best out of each other as opposed to a very much a male and female game. I think that was really important.

“I think we’ve got to get to a space where we are narrowing the gap at this level in order for players to be able to compete at international stages so that they’re not learning at that level. I’m very excited to see where it’s going.”