Former Ireland women's rugby player Lynne Cantwell has been appointed Head of Women’s Strategy for Irish Rugby by the IRFU. Cantwell will start her new role in January 2025.
In June, the IRFU launched a "strategic plan and vision for rugby in Ireland 2024-2028" to promote and grow women’s rugby rapidly. The organisation says Cantwell’s appointment is a key milestone in achieving that commitment.
Cantwell is the most-capped Irish women’s player, with 86 caps to her name. During her career, she won a Six Nations Grand Slam and was part of successful Irish teams.
She is currently the Women’s High-Performance Manager for the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and a board member with Sport Ireland.
Cantwell’s initial focus will be on engaging with stakeholders, driving investment, and advancing the club and grassroots game.
Cantwell will also continue in a part-time advisory capacity for SARU to ensure a smooth transition of the women’s high-performance leadership there.
We're delighted to announce the appointment of Lynne Cantwell as Head of Women's Strategy for Irish Rugby! 🟢#IrishRugby
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 25, 2024
Speaking about her appointment on the IRFU website, Cantwell expressed her excitement for helping women and girls to take up and play the sport: “I am excited about joining the IRFU at a time when there is much commitment and optimism around the women’s game. Having started my own rugby career in the club and domestic game in Ireland, I am passionate about supporting the journey for women and girls taking up and playing the sport, ensuring they have a pathway from bottom to top that enables them to reach their full potential.
“I am grateful to the IRFU for allowing me to complete some of my work with SARU during a transition period. I look forward to getting started in the new year.”
IRFU Chief Executive Kevin Potts added that Cantwell’s appointment was a significant step forward for promoting the women’s game: “Welcoming Lynne to Irish Rugby as Head of Women’s Strategy is a huge step in our journey and a major statement of intent about our collective ambition for women’s rugby in Ireland.
“Lynne’s leadership, both on and off the field, is exemplary, and we are excited about the impact she will have in advancing women’s rugby across Ireland and internationally in the coming years.”
