Breaking Women's rugby director Anthony Eddy resigns

IRFU director of women's and sevens rugby Anthony Eddy has resigned with immediate effect.

The news of Eddy's departure comes on the eve of the publication of the independent review into the failure of Ireland to qualify for this year's Women's Rugby World Cup.

He had come under severe pressure in November, after he tried to defend the union's perceived prioritisation of the sevens game in Ireland in recent years.

His claims that the IRFU were not "neglecting" the women's 15-a-side game were described as "slurry-spreading" by current international hooker Cliodhna Moloney, which led to further backlash from several former internationals.

The IRFU will deliver the results of their independent report into last year's disastrous World Cup campaign tomorrow afternoon, with the union pressurised into publishing the review in full, having initially planned to release "key findings".

Ahead of that review being delivered tomorrow afternoon, Eddy has decided to quit with immediate effect.

"I am proud of each of the teams, the athletes, and staff that I have worked with," he said.

"I wish all these people and teams the very best and thank the IRFU for their understanding.

"The last two years during Covid have given me time to reflect on the next phase of my career and life. It can be difficult living so far from home, family and friends. Having assessed everything, I've decided to change things up, and seek new opportunities."

The Australian was appointed in December 2014, with Ireland winning the Six Nations the following spring.

While there has been steady progression with Ireland's sevens programme in recent years, with the men's team qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Games and the women's team reaching their first world series final in