IRFU to offer 43 contracts to elite female rugby players 

'The contracts have been benchmarked internationally and will range up to €30,000 plus match fees and bonuses,' the IRFU say.

HUGE TASK: Gillian McDarby has been appointed IRFU Head of Women’s Performance and Pathways and it has been confirmed that 43 centralised paid contracts will be offered to elite women's players next season. ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

43 professional contracts will be made available to Ireland women's 15s and 7s players next season, according to the IRFU.

The announcement means the15s squad will be given monetary contracts for the first time ever.