Foundations set for Ireland women to become competitive again

Ireland coach John McKee is confident the Ireland women’s rugby team can eventually get to a point where they are competing with the top sides in the international game

BRAINS TRUST: Assistant coach Niamh Briggs, head coach Greg McWilliams, scrum coach Denis Fogarty and senior coach John McKee. Pic: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

While there is still a long road left to travel on the basis of their display against Wales last weekend, John McKee is confident the Ireland women’s rugby team can eventually get to a point where they are competing with the top sides in the international game.

Despite the presence of several players in their matchday squad who are now under full-time contracts with the IRFU, Ireland were on the receiving end of a 31-5 reversal to Wales in the opening round of the Women’s Six Nations at Cardiff Arms Park last Saturday. Their opponents had a similar set-up coming into the 2022 Championship when 12 players within Ioan Cunningham’s selection for the tournament were on professional deals.