Summer rugby can only benefit players, insists Briggs 

When the IRFU finally released its season plan in May and revealed an August kick-off, all four provinces were caught hopping yet Briggs sees that as a challenge to strengthen squad depth.

Head Coach Niamh Briggs. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

There may be teething problems with the timing of this year’s Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship but Munster head coach Niamh Briggs believes a return to summer rugby will give the beleaguered Ireland team a major boost.

Defending champions Munster kick off their 2023 campaign on the road to Ulster at City of Armagh’s Palace Grounds this Saturday without injured fly-half Nicole Cronin and a handful of players whose holiday plans were made anticipating a continuation of last season’s Christmas Interpros.