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FIONA COGHLAN insists the appointment of Scott Bemand as Ireland boss shows the IRFU’S desire to improve the women’s game.
After the massive low of last year’s Six Nations wooden spoon, former Test skipper Coghlan believes with ex-england attack coach Bemand in charge, Ireland can target victories in their home games against Wales, Scotland and France.
“The fact he was involved in the best performing team consistently in the world with England – he’ll be disappointed not to come away with that World Cup win - but he knows the standards required,” said Coghlan.
“He would have been aware of the shortcomings of Irish women’s rugby, at the national level but also the pathways behind it.
“I’m sure he has implemented stuff - and not just within the national team, but looking for that support outside that to have proper players to pick from.
“That’s the thing, it’s the base of players he needs we need to increase in terms of numbers but also quality so that he has players to pick from as well.
“Look, I think we’ve missed about 10 years, 11 years where the potential was there and the public was behind a winning, national team.
“But look, that’s gone, we need to now focus on where we can go to next. It’s going to take a number of years.”
The Six Nations home games will be played in the RDS, Musgrave Park and Kingspan Stadium and Coghlan is pleased that the team will travel around the country.
Coughlan said: “On every front last year it was just hugely disappointing, performances were poor and players do learn a lot from that but it’s about turning it around within a year.
“If we can get a fan base behind the women’s game, it’s a great opportunity for families to go to international rugby and be part of the journey.”