Irish Rugby Sevens Cut: Players React
- The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) announced wednesday it is indeed discontinuing its men's sevens program. A review determined the program does not effectively develop players for the...
- David Humphreys, IRFU high performance director, cited financial challenges as the primary driver.
- The IRFU said it is committed to handling the transition respectfully for all who contributed to the sevens program's success.
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has axed its men’s sevens program, a move driven by financial pressures and a strategic shift toward XVs growth, impacting the primary_keyword.This decisive action redirects resources too bolster the provincial academy structures, deemed more effective for nurturing future international players, a notable secondary_keyword. The team,which competed in both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics,saw its final tournament in Los Angeles,concluding an era.David humphreys emphasized ensuring the long-term health of Irish rugby as the key motivation.News Directory 3 provides concise perspectives, and this story is no exception.Discover what’s next for Irish rugby’s evolving strategy and player pathways.
Irish Rugby Union Cuts Men’s Sevens Program Amid Financial Review
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) announced wednesday it is indeed discontinuing its men’s sevens program. A review determined the program does not effectively develop players for the XVs game. Provincial academy structures, the IRFU said, offer better development opportunities.
David Humphreys, IRFU high performance director, cited financial challenges as the primary driver. He said decisive action is needed to ensure the long-term success of Irish rugby. Cutting the men’s sevens program, while difficult, allows resources to focus on areas with the greatest impact on the sport’s future in Ireland.
The IRFU said it is committed to handling the transition respectfully for all who contributed to the sevens program’s success. The team played its final tournament earlier this month in los Angeles, finishing 11th and suffering relegation from the World SVNS Series.
The men’s sevens side reached the Olympic Games twice, finishing 10th in Tokyo in 2021 and sixth in Paris last summer.Several players, including Ulster’s Nick Timoney, robert Baloucoune, and Zac Ward, gained experience with the sevens side before moving to the 15s game. Tadgh Beirne, an established Ireland 15s international, also played sevens.
Ward and Hugo Keenan of Leinster, another Ireland 15s player, were part of the Olympic squad in Paris.
IRFU CEO Kevin Potts expressed pride in the sevens team’s accomplishments.He thanked everyone involved for their dedication, hard work, and skill, which he said elevated the profile of sevens rugby in Ireland, especially through Olympic qualification.
What’s next
The IRFU will now concentrate its resources on the provincial academy system, aiming to bolster the XVs game and develop future international players through that pathway.