Talk of professionalism 'premature' - IRFU to explore contracts, but say it's not inevitable

IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts says talk of making Irish women's rugby a professional game is "premature".

On Friday, Irish Rugby revealed the 30 recommendations given to them following the independent review into their failed Rugby World Cup qualification campaign, while also apologising to the players for the union's failings in the women's 15-a-side game.

Among the 30 recommendations given to them by Amanda Bennett, who conducted the review, was the suggestion that the IRFU would introduce "hybrid or retainer contracts for XV players to manage physical, emotional, time and other pressures".

Currently, the only professional women's rugby players in Ireland are contracted to the sevens programme, although many also double up with the 15-a-side game.

Last month, Ireland assistant Niamh Briggs said it was inevitable that the women's game in Ireland would become professional, although she added there needs to be patience around when it will happen.

"I think the game will go professional here 100%. That is the way that the game is going," she told the BBC.

"How exciting is it for that generation to become a professional rugby player?"

The IRFU say they will explore the possibility of hybrid and retainer contracts upon the appointment of a 'Head of Women's Performance and Pathways', a role which has been created off the back of this review.

However, when asked about the former Ireland captain's comments, IRFU CEO Kevin Potts said a professional 15-a-side team in Ireland remains some way off.

"I think one of the recommendations as we discussed earlier is to look at this area and I know Niamh's (Briggs) comments. It's probably premature to say.

"It's premature to say it's inevitable, we need to find the right model that works for