Bernard Jackman: Ireland heading for 100-0 England defeat unless key issues are tackled

Bernard Jackman has identified three key issues the IRFU must tackle in the women's game or else suffer even more humiliating defeats to England.

Ireland were overwhelmed by a professional England outfit who remain on target for a TikTok Women's Six Nations Grand Slam in a 69-0 chastening defeat at Welford Road.

Simon Middleton’s charges ran in 11 tries in total, though were restricted to just two in an opening half before the floodgates opened, with discipline lapses contributing to the sobering scoreline.

Recalled centre Sene Naoupu was sent off with 12 minutes to play, while flanker Dorothy Wall had been sin-binned earlier in the second half.

Speaking on Against the Head, former Ireland and Leinster hooker Jackman says the discussion over the women’s game can’t be dominated by just the issue of contracts and professionals versus amateurs.

"The narrative at the moment is contracts," he said. "I think that has to be part of the narrative, but it shouldn’t be the only part because I think if you made those players professional, they wouldn’t necessarily catch up with England quickly.

Fiona Coghlan and Bernard Jackman reflect on Ireland's heavy loss to England in the Women's Six Nations. #AgainstTheHead pic.twitter.com/P4p4FfpLwx

"It’s got to be the level of compensation to allow them get a better balance to their weeks to allow them prepare properly, it’s got to be continued focus on domestic competition. I know there has been a better level of competition this season, but we really need to reinforce that to get more people playing the game.

"The other thing is the Sevens issue. Are the Sevens going to be standalone? Or are they going to come into 15s because it’s not ideal to have that discussion mid-point in the competition.

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