THE IRFU’S ACCOUNTS have shown steady rises in funding for women’s rugby with a spend of over €2.1 million announced at today’s annual council meeting in the Aviva Stadium.
The figure, up from last year’s €1.7 million, excludes the €1.5 million one-off spend to host next month’s Women’s Rugby World Cup — which is part of a €4 million total outlay including support from World Rugby and governments on both sides of the border.
A further increase of 25% has been budgeted for the 2017/18 accounts, an expected increase of around €500,000 as Ireland Women compete on the international stage in Sevens and the long form of the game.
In addition, the union have moved to offer a compensation package to players involved in next month’s WRWC in UCD and Belfast.
Unlike the weekend to weekend format of the Six Nations, the 15-a-side players, many of whom are amateur with jobs to balance outside of rugby, will be required to play and train midweek throughout the tournament.
“The IRFU is committed to increasing funding to the women’s game and supporting its growth by creating a legacy from WRWC17,” says IRFU Chief Operating Officer Kevin Potts.
“The successful delivery of the Women’s Rugby World Cup is of huge importance for the future growth of the game in Ireland.”
“There has been fantastic engagement all across the Island with the trophy tour and the infrastructure and resources that are being put in place will ensure the tournament is a huge success and the most memorable Women’s Rugby World Cup in history.”
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