The IRFU has announced the launch of a programme for the Women’s Under-20s category. This programme will mark the first occasion in which the IRFU will field an Under-20s Women’s team.
Forty-four players have taken part in a screening programme, to identify who will be selected for the squad, which is due to be announced next Wednesday.
A squad of 26 players will be selected to travel to Italy in July, where they will train with both the Italian and Scottish squads before playing two training games against them.
We're delighted to announce that a 26-player Ireland Women's U20s squad will travel to Italy to play the host nation and Scotland in a series of training matches next month 🟢#FutureIsGreen | @PwCIreland
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 27, 2023
When asked about the development of a Under-20s programme, former Ireland international and the current Talent Identification Manager Katie Fitzhenry, expressed her delight at the recent news; “We’re delighted to be adding another important layer to our Women’s Pathway with an Ireland Women’s U20s squad coming together for the first time this summer.”
“It is an exciting opportunity for us to further accelerate the development of our best young talent, with players not only being exposed to a High Performance environment and high-quality coaching, strength and conditioning, nutritional and medical support whilst in camp in Dublin, but then being given the chance to test those skills against their peers from Italy and Scotland.”
Neill Alcorn has been appointed head coach with Matt Gill and Larissa Muldoon as the assistant coaches.
