IRFU appoints Lynne Cantwell as head of women's strategy

Former Ireland international Lynne Cantwell has been appointed as the IRFU's head of women’s strategy.

Cantwell, Ireland’s most capped women's player with 86 appearances between 2001 and 2014, has been the women’s high-performance manager for the South African Rugby Union since 2021, and will take up her new role in January.

"In the plan for Rugby in Ireland, launched in June, the IRFU set out its determination to accelerate the development of the women’s game and Cantwell’s appointment is a key milestone in the delivery of that commitment," said the union.

Cantwell’s "immediate priorities will include taking forward and supporting the strategic pillars identified by the IRFU for the women’s game."

"Her initial focus will be on engaging with all stakeholders, driving investment, and advancing the club and grassroots game.

"Cantwell will continue to work in a part-time advisory capacity for SARU, to oversee a transition of the women’s high-performance leadership there."

The Dubliner, who won a Grand Slam with Ireland in 2013, said: "I am excited about joining the IRFU at a time when there is much commitment and optimism around the women’s game.

"Having started my own rugby career through the club and domestic game in Ireland, I am passionate about the journey for women and girls taking up and playing the sport and ensuring they experience a pathway from bottom to top that enables them to reach their full potential.

"I am grateful to the IRFU for facilitating me in concluding some of my work with the SARU during a transitionary period. I am looking forward to getting started in the New Year."

The appointment of the 43-year-old, who was one of the signatories of the letter sent to the Irish Government in 2021 severely criticising the union’s attitude towards the women’s game, is seen as a major coup for the IRFU.

IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts said: "Welcoming Lynne to Irish Rugby as Head of Women's Strategy is a huge step in our journey, and I believe a major statement of intent about our collective ambition for women’s rugby in Ireland.

"Lynne’s leadership, both on and off the field, is exemplary and we are excited about the impact she will have in advancing women’s rugby across Ireland and internationally in the coming years."