The IRFU has announced 37 central contracts for players across the Women’s High-Performance Programme.

They cover the Ireland Women’s XVs and Sevens squads.

Ireland Women’s XVs are just four weeks away from a return to action as they host Australia at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday, 14th September, as part of Irish Rugby’s 150th Year Celebrations, before Scott Bemand’s side travel to Vancouver for their WXV1 campaign later in the Autumn.

Coming off the back of their historic debut appearance at the Olympic Games, Ireland Women’s Sevens will return to pre-season training at the IRFU High-Performance Centre in mid-September as preparations begin for the start of the new HSBC SVNS Series campaign, which gets underway in Dubai in November.

With both squads once again preparing to compete at the highest level on the international stage, today’s announcement of 37 centralised players contracted to the Women’s High-Performance Programme rather than one or other team underlines the connection between the squads.

Bemand’s side face a busy season ahead, starting with Australia’s visit to Belfast and the three-match WXV1 campaign in Vancouver. The Guinness Women’s Six Nations will return in March, followed by the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England.

“We are delighted to confirm the rollout of 37 centralised contracts for Women’s players for an exciting season ahead for our Ireland XVs and Sevens squads,” said Gillian McDarby, Head of High Performance and Pathways for Women’s Rugby at the IRFU.

“As we continue to create sustainable pathways and develop competition structures, it is pleasing to see several young players from our Ireland underage teams step up and be rewarded with senior contracts within our High-Performance Programme.

“It is an important year ahead for the Women’s programme, with our XVs squad building towards our return to the Women’s Rugby World Cup stage, and our Sevens squad bidding to build on the positive momentum from their appearance at the recent Paris Olympics, so developing depth in our playing resources is a key focus.”

“With this in mind, the alignment between our squads is an important strength as we face into a busy schedule, and the consistent conversations between Scott and Allan, as well as our High-Performance Staff across both XVs and Sevens, ensures we will give both our Ireland teams the best chance of success on the international stage.”

Ireland Women’s Contracted Players – 2024/25 Season:

Kathy Baker
Natasja Behan
Claire Boles
Ellen Boylan
Enya Breen
Megan Burns
Ruth Campbell
Hannah Clarke
Katie Corrigan
Aoife Dalton
Méabh Deely
Linda Djougang
Vicky Elmes Kinlan
Kate Farrell McCabe
Alanna Fitzpatrick
Stacey Flood
Nicole Fowley
Clare Gorman
Katie Heffernan
Eve Higgins
Brittany Hogan
Erin King
Lucinda Kinghan
Emily Lane
Amy Larn
Anna McGann
Sadhbh McGrath
Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe
Deirbhile Nic a Bháird
Dannah O’Brien
Robyn O’Connor
Niamh O’Dowd
Béibhinn Parsons
Aoibheann Reilly
Fiona Tuite
Aoife Wafer
Katie Whelan

 


 

 

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