Ciara Griffin: Forget excuses, we should recognise the importance of nurturing talent and competitiveness

Instead of blaming the RFU for building a formidable international program, we should recognise the importance of investing in domestic leagues to nurture talent and competitiveness

Dorothy Wall and Edel McMahon acknowledge supporters after their side's heavy defeat to England at Twickenham

Saturday marks the intriguing culmination of the Women's Six Nations, with all three fixtures resonating with relevance.

There's been significant discussion after Ireland's 88-10 thumping at Twickenham last week around the perceived inequality when Ireland, Scotland, and Wales face off against England. Critics argue it's unfair for nations still in the early stages of player contracts and professional pathway development to compete against the Red Roses. However, I see this as more of a convenient excuse, deflecting attention from decades of underfunding and neglect in their national women's XVs programs.