BREAKING NEWS: IRFU WELCOME CONTINUATION OF CURRENT WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS FORMAT

The Irish Rugby Football Union, the current Women’s Six Nations champions, welcomed todays announcement by the RBS Six Nations Council that the Women’s Six Nations championship will continue in its current format.

The growth and interest in the women’s game has been phenomenal, and well deserved, and the Irish Women’s 15 a-side team is already looking forward to defending their Six Nations crown ahead of their bid for glory at the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup, in France. The IRFU is also committed to the Olympic Sevens programme.

The IRFU’s Scott Walker, said:

“The IRFU believes that there is a requirement to provide an inspiration platform for both the 15-aside and the Sevens players, which can in turn promote women’s rugby to all.

For the 15 a-side game, the Six Nations is that platform and the IRFU is pleased that the tournament will remain in its present format as we believe it, and the Olympic Sevens, will serve to promote rugby to more women and encourage even greater female participation in the sport.”

Ireland’s Grand Slam winning Captain Fiona Coughlan, said:

“We are delighted that the Six Nations Council has confirmed that there will be no change to the tournament format and we look forward to defending our Six Nations and Grand Slam titles next year.

The development of the women’s game is dependent on big tournaments, such as the Six Nations, and 2014 could be another great year for women’s rugby as we target both Six Nations and Rugby World Cup success.”