IRFU to offer 43 pro contracts to female players

The IRFU has confirmed it will offer 43 professional contracts to Ireland women's 15s and 7s players next season.

It's the first time members of the 15s squad will be offered paid contracts.

The IRFU said they wish to discuss the details of the contracts with the players before announcing any more details publicly but revealed the deals will be worth up to €30,000 plus match fees and bonuses.

Gillian McDarby has been appointed in the newly created role of Head of Women's Performance and Pathways.

The IRFU said she will be responsible for "the development, delivery, and implementation of the approved strategic and operational direction of the women's rugby performance programme for both XVs and Sevens".

McDarby was on Cycling Ireland's Board of Directors from 2017 to 2021 and has worked as the IRFU's High Performance Centre facilities and operations manager for the last two years.

"I've worked across several important areas in the game and believe there is a huge growth opportunity for the women's game in Ireland," she said.

"I'm looking forward to working with all stakeholders to bring the women’s game to the next level. It's also pleasing that my appointment coincides with the formal announcement of contracts for up to 43 female players. This is a major step forward for women’s rugby in Ireland.

"Success in the women’s game will be based on sustainability: creating sustainable pathways within the competition structures, getting meaningful competition structures in place for both women and girls to access the game of rugby at the right entry points and continuing to develop competitive international teams in fifteens and sevens. That, to me, is success."

Back in March the IRFU released the findings of its report into the failure