IRFU agree rule changes to achieve 40% female board representation

The IRFU has hailed "an important milestone" after endorsing a proposal to achieve 40% female representation on the IRFU Committee by the end of the year.

At today's Annual Council Meeting, it was agreed that the IRFU would enact the necessary amendments to its laws to enable the 40% target to be achieved by the end of 2023.

IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts described it as an "important milestone in our history."

"The IRFU is committed to meeting the 40% gender balance target by the end of this year and today's decision by Council will allow us achieve this," Potts said in a statement.

"Over the past few months we have engaged and consulted with our stakeholders on the changes required to achieve 40% Gender representation on the IRFU Committee, and I welcome Council’s unanimous support today.

"This is an important milestone in our history and one which will pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in Irish Rugby."

In a letter sent to sporting organisations last December, Minister for Sport Catherine Martin warned of financial consequences for sporting bodies that failed to achieve the target of 40% female board representation by the end of this year.

Also at today's Council meeting, Greg Barrett was elected as IRFU President, replacing John Robinson.

Cork-born Barrett has been a Munster delegate on the IRFU committee since 2013, recently serving as vice-president. In his comments on assuming the role, Barrett paid tribute to his late brother Gus, who broke his neck playing rugby for UCC in 1981 and died eight years later.

"I have been involved in rugby for my entire life from my early days in CBC Cork and have had the honour of playing for my club, my province, and my country. To now be the President of the Union is an