Ulster CEO Hugh McCaughey says Ireland Women are evolving

THE Ireland women's national team will be “unrecognisable” in the next three to five years says Ulster chief executive Hugh McCaughey.

The IRFU made the women's game a priority in its four-year strategic plan launched in June.

This includes a move towards four contracted provincial teams.

Ireland women finished third in the Women's Six Nations with victories over Scotland and Wales.

They were, however, crushed 88-10 by champions Red Roses.

“We're at the start of a really rapid journey,” McCaughey said. “Women's rugby is one of if not the fastest growing sports on this island.

“Irish rugby has released its strategy with the view to have a contracted team by 2026-27.

“So we're starting to see that really accelerate. We want that to be at the forefront of our journey and that's what we're planning for at the minute.”

The next Women's Rugby World Cup is set to take place in England in 2025.

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