Ireland women's coach steps down with immediate effect

The director of rugby of Ireland's Sevens and Ireland Women's Rugby teams, Anthony Eddy, has stepped down from his role with immediate effect.

The decision comes as the Irish rugby community await the findings of two independent reviews into the women’s game after players sought government support.

Both reviews will be made public. The two reviews include an investigation into the shortcomings of the team’s failure to reach this year's World Cup and a “broader structural review”.

A host of current and former internationals were among the signatories on a letter sent to the Irish Government expressing a loss of trust and confidence in the IRFU at the end of last year.

The letter requested government assistance in enacting “meaningful change” in the women’s game in Ireland.

Now Eddie has called time on his tenure after just two years in the job.

An IRFU statement reads: "Anthony Eddy, the Director of Sevens and Women’s Rugby, has advised the IRFU of his desire to vacate his post, with immediate effect.

The IRFU thank Anthony for his time and dedication in the role, highlights of which include the historic qualification for the Men’s Sevens team to the Olympic Games for the first time, and our Women's Sevens team's recent success in Seville.

The IRFU will now put measures in place to ensure his duties pass to existing staff, while taking time to reassess the future requirements for the Women's and Sevens games.

Anthony Eddy said: "I am proud of each of the teams, the athletes, and staff that I have worked with. I wish all these people and teams the very best and thank the IRFU for their understanding.

"The last two years during Covid have given me time to reflect on the next phase of my career and life. It can be difficult living so far from home, family and friends. Having assessed everything, I’ve decided to change things up, and seek new opportunities."

IRFU Performance Director, David Nucifora, said: "I want to thank Anthony for the commitment and expertise he brought to his role. The IRFU have been very fortunate to have had someone of the calibre of Anthony to have built these programmes up from nothing. I wish him the very best of luck for any new challenge he takes up.

"The programmes will continue for now with existing staffing while we take some time to look for suitably qualified coaches to replace Anthony."