IRFU to issue women players with professional contracts

The IRFU are set to hand out 40 professional contracts amongst the women’s 15s and 7s squads. 

It will be a move a significant progress as the Women’s 15s representatives were not professional before now.  

The Ireland women are gearing up for a two-Test tour of Japan commencing on 20 August. 

Who exactly will receive contracts will be revealed within the next fortnight. A number of the women currently have careers outside of rugby while many are engaged in full-time tertiary education and some ply their trade across Irish borders. In terms of financial figures, speculation is that top players could receive up to €30,000 contracts.