1
IRFU say they'll 'fully publish' reviews amid spat with players
By Ian Cameron
The IRFU have said they will make the two ongoing reviews into the organisation public amid the fallout from last week's row with a number of their women's players.
62 former and current players penned a scathing letter to the Irish government asking for oversight of the reviews, claiming the IRFU were untrustworthy. The letter effectively claimed that the women's programme was sub-standard and questioned how independent the reviews would be.
The letter comes just months after the 15-a-side team failed to qualify for the 2021 RWC, a result that shocked Irish rugby and raised questions about the women's programme.
The IRFU have now released a statement, saying that both reviews will be made public. "The IRFU confirms that it intends to fully publish the two independent reviews currently being undertaken into women’s rugby. The review of the Rugby World Cup 2021 qualification campaign and the wider review of the Women in Rugby Action Plan are both being undertaken by Amanda Bennett and her colleagues at FairPlay (Ltd).
"The decision was made at the December meeting of the Union Committee where the IRFU committed to transparency in this review process.
"The IRFU expects that the initial review, into the RWC’21 qualification campaign, will be completed by Amanda Bennett, and her colleagues, in January, while the wider review is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2022 (subject to completion).
"The IRFU wishes to assure all those devoted to rugby, including the players who issued the recent letter to Government Ministers, that the situation that developed, particularly in the last week, is regrettable and we will work tirelessly to mend and build the relationship between the Union and our players.
"We are committed to the development of the women’s game, from grassroots to elite level, to provide the opportunity for girls and women to enjoy lifelong participation in rugby.
"The IRFU will seek to meet a delegation from the women’s group early in the New Year and assures them that their views will be listened to and fed into future planning.
"The IRFU hope to meet with Minister Chambers next week."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Gloucester respond to complaints over Russian flag
3
'Best forward in the country': Dallaglio calls for new England captain
4
Ex-England S&C coach on their 'rugby strong' player
5
Latest Comments
The Reds did very well last year against NZ teams in the regular season, winning 3 out of 5. They lost after the buzzer to the Hurricanes at a neutral venue, beat the Chiefs at home, flogged the Highlanders at home, lost after the siren to the Blues at home (game of the season!), beat the Crusaders away (who were much stronger than earlier in the season). Sadly the Chiefs smashed them in the quarter final though!
Go to commentsA "glider". A great way to sum up Bruce Robertson. I used to love watching him play for the All Blacks as a kid in the 70's and in to the 80's. Also when he played for Counties against my team Canterbury here at Lancaster Park. It was one of the worse selections of all time when he was not picked in the initial All Black touring team that went to Australia in 1980. He got over there due to an injury to someone else. Like Canterbury great and second-five Warwick Taylor , they both knew how to make players outside of them life a lot easier. Crusader great Ryan Crotty the same.
Go to comments