WOMEN’S RUGBY STANDS STRONG

AFTER a hugely difficult week, the manner in which the women’s rugby community, both far and wide, have rallied together offered hope that the future isn’t as bleak as it seems.

The IRFU may be hoping that this is a problem that will go away but the ‘Legacy’ campaign that took off over the weekend suggests that this is only the beginning of the movement.

The handling of the search for a new Ireland head coach was been a mess and while players both past and present continue to voice their disgust, they have garnered support from across the pond as well as at home.

AIL clubs throughout the country wore wristbands with #legacy written on them which is directly aimed at the IRFU’s treatment of the women’s game.

On Saturday, Wasps players wore the same wristbands but perhaps the most powerful message of all came from Lynne Cantwell– Ireland’s most capped women’s player.

The former centre, who recently became a mother, tweeted a picture of her new born baby and said:

“I want my daughter to grow up&be treatd with respect whatevr sport she plays.I support #LEGACY campaign urging IRFU to support IREs ambition (sic)”

The campaign is quickly gathering momentum but whether or not the powers that be will sit up and take notice remains to be seen. One thing is for sure; this is not the last we will hear about the situation.