Treatment of Women Rugby Players ‘a joke’ – Ward
2nd April 2022 - Senator Barry Ward
The withdrawal of a motion to recognise women’s rugby as part of the senior league is a sad reflection of the IRFU’s commitment to women’s rugby, a Fine Gael Senator has said.
Senator Barry Ward was speaking following the news that the Munster Council had withdrawn a motion at its AGM to recognise women’s rugby as part of its senior league.
“Female rugby players in Ireland now have to go abroad to truly challenge themselves or to take up opportunities to play at a professional level. One in three female rugby players in Ireland plays abroad and this is absolutely down to a lack of commitment on the part of the IRFU and the provincial branches in Ireland,” said Senator Ward.
“I attended the Ireland v Wales match in the RDS last weekend as part of the TikTok 6 Nations competition. Although it was not Ireland’s day, the commitment and skill shown was every bit as impressive as that of the men’s team and the level of support, particularly from families at the event, was striking. If the IRFU has sense, it will recognise the potential that comes with women’s rugby as another avenue to involve people in rugby and all the good things that come with it.
“The withdrawal of this motion seeking to inject equality has coincided with April Fools’ Day and has highlighted the disparity of treatment between women’s and men’s rugby. This on-going inequality is neither an April Fools nor funny, and it has to stop.
“The IRFU must recognise the opportunity that is presented by a vibrant women’s game in Ireland and invest in that in every respect,” concluded Senator Ward.
Related news
Arrest of Cardinal Zen further evidence of Hong Kong suppression of democracy – Ward
A Fine Gael Senator has criticised the arrest of 90-year-old retired Cardinal Joseph Zen in Hong Kong who has been…
12th May 2022Daly and Wallace should resign for spreading false information – Ward
MEPs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace should resign for the part they have played in the spread of false information…
8th May 2022Stand with Ukraine this St Patrick’s Day by wearing blue and yellow – Ward
Members of the public should wear blue and yellow when attending festivities this St Patrick’s Day to stand in solidarity…
8th March 2022