Spence calls for female players to get equal level of respect and treatment as their male counterparts

Rugby star Sophie Spence wants female Irish players to “receive an equal level of respect and treatment” as their male counterparts.

Spence yesterday retired from international rugby after a five-year career during a golden age for the sport in Ireland.

Spence was an integral member of the sides which won two Six Nations Championships and defeated the mighty New Zealand in the 2014 Rugby World Cup. A year later she was a nominee for the World Rugby player of the year, RTÉ sportsperson of the year and was the Guinness Rugby writer’s player of the year.