IRFU call time on men's 7s programme as financial realities bite

The women’s sevens programme will continue as a “critical part” of the IRFU strategy for the development of the women’s game.

Former Ireland sevens captain Billy Dardis said players in the Ireland squad are "going looking for jobs right now". Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Ireland men’s sevens squad programme is being terminated by the IRFU, just nine months after falling short of an Olympic medal in Paris, with players in the current squad already searching for new jobs.

Billy Dardis, who played for a decade with the national team, and wore the captain’s armband, revealed as much on Wednesday afternoon. The union has since confirmed as much in a statement brought forward from next week.