Pro contract the dream for Kathryn Dane as Ireland brace for Welsh

When the men’s game tuned pro in 1995, there were players who were earning far more in their civvies and opted not to join the fun bus. Kathryn Dane needn't be asked twice if the chance arises

Kathryn Dane at Ireland squad training ahead of their Six Nations opener. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Kathryn Dane says all the right things when the gap which England and France have engineered between themselves and the rest of the Six Nations is put to her.

The Leinster scrum-half radiates positivity when asked how Ireland’s amateur players can prevent this chasm from widening - never mind go about closing it. There is even a bullishness when she talks about recording an ‘upset’ in this year’s championship.