Irish Rugby Announces 37 Central Contracts for Women’s High Performance Programme Ahead of 2024-25 Season

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has made a significant commitment to the development of women’s rugby in Ireland by announcing 37 central contracts as part of their Women’s High Performance Programme. This move marks a crucial step forward for both the Ireland Women’s XVs and Sevens squads as they gear up for a pivotal 2024-25 season.

The announcement of these contracts underscores the IRFU’s dedication to fostering elite talent and ensuring that Irish women’s rugby continues to grow on the international stage. With a focus on building towards major upcoming competitions, the contracted players will benefit from increased resources, structured training, and support designed to maximize their performance.

Ireland Women’s XVs Set for Key Fixtures

The Ireland Women’s XVs, under the guidance of head coach Scott Bemand, will kick off their season in style as they host Australia at the Kingspan Stadium on Saturday, 14 September. This match is part of the broader celebrations of Irish Rugby’s 150th anniversary, adding an extra layer of significance to the occasion.

Following their home clash against Australia, the squad will travel to Vancouver for the WXV1 campaign in the autumn. This tournament will serve as a vital opportunity for the team to test themselves against some of the world’s best sides as they continue their preparations for next season’s Women’s Six Nations. With the Women’s Rugby World Cup set to take place in England next year, the upcoming season will be crucial for Ireland as they aim to make their mark on the global stage.

Women’s Sevens Eyeing Another Olympic Campaign

Meanwhile, the Ireland Women’s Sevens team, fresh from their Olympic debut in Paris, will soon return to training as they prepare for the new HSBC SVNS Series. Their journey will begin in mid-September, with the squad gearing up for the first leg of the series in Dubai this November. Having showcased their talents on the world’s biggest stage, the Sevens side will be eager to build on their Olympic experience and continue to push the boundaries of what they can achieve.

The Sevens programme has been instrumental in raising the profile of women’s rugby in Ireland, and with the continued support of the IRFU, the team is poised to make further strides in the international arena.

A New Era for Irish Women’s Rugby

The introduction of 37 central contracts represents a significant milestone for Irish women’s rugby, providing players with the stability and support needed to excel at the highest level. As both the XVs and Sevens squads look ahead to a busy season filled with challenges and opportunities, the backing of the IRFU will be crucial in helping them achieve their goals.

With the Women’s Rugby World Cup on the horizon and the Sevens team set to embark on another global campaign, the future of Irish women’s rugby looks brighter than ever. The central contracts are not just an investment in the present but a commitment to the long-term success and growth of the game in Ireland.