From Rock Bottom to Glory: How Ireland’s Women’s Rugby Team Redeemed Their World Cup Struggle

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Ireland’s Women’s Rugby Team Finds New Focus With Professional Structure

Dublin, Ireland – August 21, 2025 – A significant shift is underway within the Ireland women’s rugby program, bringing a renewed sense of focus and preparation to the national team. Players are now able to dedicate themselves fully to the game, thanks to recent structural changes and investments in player development.

A Delayed But Welcome Professionalization

While some may question the timing, the introduction of professional contracts for Irish women’s XVs players – making Ireland the last of the Six Nations to do so – has proven pivotal. this transition, coupled with the creation of key leadership roles and talent identification programs, is yielding tangible results. the move is mirroring similar successes seen in other top-tier women’s rugby nations like England and New Zealand, who invested in professionalization years ago.

Key Appointments and Talent Pathways

The appointment of Gillian McDarby as head of women’s performance and pathways signals a commitment to long-term growth. Equally crucial is the establishment of the Women’s National Talent Squad (WNTS).This initiative specifically aims to identify, nurture, and support promising female athletes with the potential to represent Ireland on the international stage.

Players like Aoife dalton and Dannah O’Brien, both products of the initial WNTS intake in 2022, are now poised to become key contributors at the upcoming World Cup.

Enhanced Preparation and Player readiness

Exeter player and veteran team member,Moloney-MacDonald,who also competed in the 2017 World Cup,noted a stark difference in the current team’s preparation. She emphasized that the new structure allows athletes to concentrate solely on their performance “between the white lines”. This is a noteworthy change from previous years,where off-field concerns frequently enough took precedence.

Younger players entering the squad are now arriving with a higher level of preparedness.The high-performance environments fostered by the national talent squads and competitions like the Celtic Challenge are proving invaluable. Players are gaining vital experience in areas such as structured weekly training schedules and the logistical demands of away games.

Did You Know? The number of women participating in rugby globally has seen a substantial increase in recent years, with World Rugby reporting a 40% growth in registered players between 2017 and 2022.

Key Change	Impact
Professional Contracts	Increased player focus, retention, and full-time dedication.
Head of Women’s Performance	Strategic direction and improved program oversight.
Women’s National Talent Squad	Early identification and accelerated development of future stars.

While ongoing development of the domestic season and competition levels remains a priority, the current trajectory for Irish women’s rugby is undeniably positive.The team seems poised for a competitive showing on the world stage.

The Growing Momentum of Women’s Rugby

The advancements within the Irish program are part of a wider global trend. Investment in women’s rugby is soaring, with increased broadcast coverage, sponsorship deals, and participation rates. This growth is driven by a desire for greater inclusivity and recognizes the immense talent within the sport. According to a recent report by Deloitte, the women’s sports industry is projected to generate over $1 billion in global revenue by 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Women’s Rugby

• What is the Women’s National Talent squad (WNTS)? The WNTS is a program designed to identify and develop the next generation of Irish women’s rugby players.
• When did Ireland introduce professional contracts for its women’s XVs players? Ireland was the last of the Six Nations teams to introduce professional contracts, a move that happened recently.
• What impact have the structural changes had on player preparation? Players are now able to fully focus on their training and performance without external distractions.
• Who is Gillian McDarby? Gillian McDarby is the newly appointed head of women’s performance and pathways for Irish rugby.
• What challenges remain for Irish women’s rugby? Developing a stronger domestic league and fostering more competitive matches are ongoing priorities.

What do you think is the most important factor driving the success of women’s rugby globally? How will the new professional structure impact Ireland’s performance in upcoming tournaments?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific tactical changes did Scott Bemand implement too address the strategic deficiencies identified after the 2023 Rugby World Cup?

The Disappointment of the 2023 Rugby World Cup

The 2023 Rugby world Cup in New Zealand was, to put it mildly, a bruising experience for Ireland’s women’s rugby team. Despite high hopes and a growing fanbase, the team faced a pool stage exit, failing to qualify for the knockout rounds. This outcome sparked intense scrutiny and a national conversation about the state of women’s rugby in Ireland.Key issues identified included:

Pool Stage Performance: Losses to Australia and New Zealand highlighted tactical shortcomings and a lack of clinical finishing.

Funding & Resources: Comparisons were drawn to the investment in men’s rugby, fueling calls for greater equity in resource allocation. The disparity in professional contracts and support staff was a major talking point.

Player Welfare: Concerns were raised about the physical and mental demands placed on players, particularly given the semi-professional status of many.

Strategic Deficiencies: Analysis pointed to a reliance on a limited game plan and a struggle to adapt to different opponents.

This period felt like a genuine “rock bottom” moment for Irish women’s rugby, prompting a critical review of the entire program. The pressure was immense, and the need for change was undeniable.

The Shift in Leadership & Coaching Ideology

Following the World Cup debacle, notable changes were implemented within the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). Greg McWilliams departed as head coach, paving the way for a fresh viewpoint. Scott Bemand, formerly of England Women, was appointed as the new head coach in early 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for innovative coaching.

Bemand’s arrival signaled a clear shift in philosophy:

1. Emphasis on Skill development: A renewed focus on core skills – passing, tackling, and breakdown work – was implemented across all levels of the program.
2. Tactical Flexibility: Bemand prioritized developing a more adaptable game plan, capable of responding to different opponents and game situations. This included incorporating more attacking variation and a greater emphasis on exploiting space.
3. Strength and Conditioning: A revamped strength and conditioning program aimed to improve player physicality and reduce the risk of injury.
4. Professionalization: Increased investment in player welfare,including improved medical support and access to nutritional guidance.

The 2024 Six Nations: A Turning Point

The 2024 Six Nations Championship proved to be the catalyst for Ireland’s redemption.While not achieving a Grand Slam, the team displayed a marked advancement in performance, securing notable victories against Wales, Italy, and Scotland.

Key highlights from the 2024 campaign included:

Improved Attack: Ireland’s attack became more dynamic and creative, with players demonstrating greater confidence in taking on defenders and exploiting opportunities.

Defensive Resilience: The team’s defense became more organized and aggressive, effectively shutting down opposition attacks.

Emerging Talent: Several young players emerged as key contributors, injecting fresh energy and enthusiasm into the squad. Players like Aoife dalton and Ella Roberts showcased their potential on the international stage.

Close Losses to top Teams: Despite narrow defeats against France and England, Ireland demonstrated they could compete with the best teams in Europe.

This Six nations performance wasn’t just about wins and losses; it was about rebuilding confidence and laying the foundation for future success. The team’s resilience and determination were evident in every match.

The Impact of Increased Investment & Professionalization

The IRFU responded to the post-World Cup criticism with increased investment in women’s rugby. This included:

Central Contracts: The introduction of more central contracts for players,providing greater financial security and allowing them to focus on their rugby development.

Enhanced Medical Support: Improved access to medical professionals, including physiotherapists, doctors, and sports psychologists.

Dedicated Training Facilities: Increased access to high-quality training facilities, allowing the team to prepare more effectively.

Increased Funding for Grassroots Development: Investment in grassroots programs aimed at growing participation in women’s rugby at all levels.

These investments have had a tangible impact on the team’s performance, allowing players to train harder, recover faster, and focus on their development. The move towards professionalization has been crucial in attracting and retaining top talent.

Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy

Ireland’s women’s rugby team has come a long way since the disappointment of the 2023 World Cup. The team is now well-positioned to compete for major honors, and the future looks radiant.

Key areas of focus for the future include:

Continued Investment: Maintaining and increasing investment in women’s rugby is essential to ensure continued progress.

Player Development: Identifying and nurturing young talent is crucial for building a enduring pipeline of players.

Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with clubs and schools to promote women’s rugby and increase participation.

world Cup Qualification: The primary goal is to qualify for the 2025 Rugby World Cup and make a significant impact on the tournament.

The journey from rock bottom to glory is far from over, but Ireland’