THE IRISH RUGBY Football Union [IRFU] and Leinster Rugby have apologised for an “unacceptable error” regarding temporary changing facilities at yesterday’s women’s interprovincial final-round double-header at Energia Park.
Connacht and Ulster played out a pulsating 12-12 draw in the opening clash in Donnybrook, with Munster claiming their first interpro title in three years with a 12-point victory over back-to-back champions Leinster afterwards.
Videos circulated on social media last night appeared to show the Connacht team’s pre-match base located beside bins in a derelict area.
Players told Her Sport that rats were running around beside them as they prepared.
Tagged in a few of these stories on Instagram.@connachtrugby women changing beside the bins and rats before the #WomensInterProvincial game against Ulster.
— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) September 11, 2021
We were told there were rats scurrying around while they got changed.
Disgusting.
pic.twitter.com/w6tFOdGS50
A statement released by both the IRFU and Leinster Rugby on Twitter this evening reads:
“The IRFU and Leinster Rugby would like to apologise to players, management and representatives of Connacht Rugby and Ulster Rugby and are sorry for the inconvenience caused by an unacceptable error in relation to the positioning of temporary changing facilities.
“Due to current government guidelines, changing facilities are not available for amateur rugby teams.
“These temporary facilities should have been set up in a more appropriate area.
“The IRFU and Leinster Rugby are extremely sorry for the inconvenience to the teams and the upset this unacceptable error has caused.”
Just got sent this
— The 2nd Row (@the2ndRow) September 11, 2021
Absolutely disgusting and disgraceful that the Connacht women had to get changed with the rats for the #WomensInterpros today
I've walked lyrical about this tournament but to see this I'm horrified
I'm lost for words at this
Equally Saddened & infuriated pic.twitter.com/Wh1cvBQbdg
Connacht Women’s Rugby team had to change beside the rats and bins before their #WomensInterpros game against Ulster. @IrishRugby & @connachtrugby please address this and make sure it NEVER happens again.
— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) September 12, 2021
Shows a complete lack of respect. Organisers, hang your heads in shame. pic.twitter.com/LOqIlfbV9r
Leinster had the same changing facilities last week also.
— IrishWomensRugbySupportersClub (@IrishWomens) September 12, 2021
It sums up the casual attitude towards our women's sides perfectly. "Ah shur that will do". Apologies only come when PR is impacted, not when the players are.
The IRFU need to rethink how the handle women's rugby. https://t.co/nF16a2x8bp
Connacht have since released a statement welcoming the apology. It reads:
“Connacht Rugby acknowledges and welcomes the apology issued to our women’s squad and management for the changing facilities provided at last night’s fixture at Energia Park.
“Connacht Rugby along with the IRFU are proud of the strides we have made with women’s rugby, and the increased backing and support we have given our players, coaches and volunteers. TG4′s live coverage of the Connacht women’s fixture was also a very welcome development – the benefits of which ill be clear to see in both the short and long-term future.
“Finally, we’d like to thank this year’s playing squad and management for their incredible commitment since their first training session many months ago. They have represented the province with pride and we look forward to seeing continued development of women’s rugby in Connacht at all levels.”
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) September 12, 2021
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