FORMER IRISH INTERNATIONAL Ruth O’Reilly says the IRFU’s new ‘Women in Rugby’ plan is ‘hugely encouraging’ but adds that she feels some of the targets are ‘massively ambitious.’
Ruth O’Reilly standing alongside Niamh Briggs during the 2015 Six Nations. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO
The IRFU announced a new action plan for 2018 to 2023 this week, as a key part of their overall strategic plan for rugby in the country over the next five years.
O’Reilly, who retired from international duty after sustaining an injury at the 2017 World Cup, told The42 that she is enthused by the overall plan and how it aims to place a more central focus on the women’s game.
“At first read, it’s hugely encouraging, particularly the women in rugby part of things. But what I’m most encouraged about is how it’s integrated into the overall strategy for Irish rugby for the foreseeable future.
“I think it’s a hugely ambitious strategy, both the whole IRFU strategy and the women’s strategy, it’s massively ambitious but it’s admirable that they’re showing that ambition.”
20 has become a significant number in relation to women’s sport following the recent launch of the 20×20 initiative which aims to grow involvement in female sport by 20% by the end of 2020.
Ireland captain Ciara Griffin leading out the team during the 2018 Six Nations. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
The IRFU has followed that up by incorporating the number 20 in its ‘Women in Rugby’ plan. By 2023, the union aims to count the female representation in rugby in Ireland at a minimum of 20% — including players, coaches, referees, volunteers and committees.
A breakdown of some of the targets in the ‘Women In Rugby’ plan.
To put that into context, this means increasing the number of currently active female players from 1,341 to 5,000, and adding over 270 female coaches to the current crop of 179.
O’Reilly notes that such objectives won’t be achieved ‘overnight’ and stresses the importance of having a ‘clear execution plan’ in order to get reach their goals.