Ciara Griffin: Ireland need to front up to France to kickstart their championship

After last week's humbling to Wales, Greg McWilliams' side need to learn from the issues that were exposed. 

Maeve Óg O’Leary encourages her teammates during the captain's run at Musgrave Park. INPHO/Tom Maher

Last Saturday was a day where Wales showed the benefits of a contracted program, with their current players on either professional or semi-professional agreements. 

Wales showed cohesion, understanding and power. The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) introduced their first Women’s professional contracts in January 2022 and presently the squad consists of 25 full-time contracted players.