The IRFU has announced that 37 players will receive central contracts across the IRFU’s Women’s High Performance Programme for the upcoming season.
A number of players who compete in competitions like the WXV1 Series and the HSBC SVNS Series will now receive better terms for playing rugby in Ireland.
For example, central contracts mean that the players are now professionally supported. Players can now focus on their training, performance, and development without the financial burden of balancing full-time jobs or other commitments.
There will also be better access to coaching, medical support, and other resources in women’s rugby.
Finally, this ensures that the best players are representing Ireland and that there is a clear pathway for young players to follow in the footsteps of the current generation.
Head of Women’s Performance and Pathways, Gillian McDarby, said on the IRFU website: “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.
“As we continue to create sustainable pathways and develop competition structures, it is pleasing to see a number of young players from our Ireland underage teams step up and be rewarded with senior contracts within our High-Performance Programme at the IRFU High-Performance Centre."
We're delighted to today announce Central Contracts for 37 players across the Women's High Performance Programme, as the Ireland Women's XVs and Sevens squads build towards the 2024/25 season! 🟢#IrishRugby
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) August 27, 2024
McDarby also outlined the importance of aligning the different squads and players in the years to come, which will give Irish players the best chance of success in the future.
“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," added McDarby.
“With this in mind, the alignment between our squads is an important strength as we face a busy schedule, and the consistent conversations between Scott and Allan, as well as our high-performance staff across both XVs and Sevens, ensure 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.
