News

Highlights: February 2025

End of an Era

It was a quiet Thursday morning when it was announced that the final weeks of the Six Nations will be the last in green for Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray.

The trio, who have been mainstays of the Irish team for over a decade, have earned widespread recognition for their exceptional contributions to the sport both on and off the field.

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

A key member of Rugby Players Ireland’s Executive Board, O’Mahony is renowned across the rugby world for his leadership and work rate, while Healy has been a powerful presence in the Irish front row since 2009.

While both O’Mahony and Healy will hang up their boots at the end of the season, Murray will pursue a new opportunity abroad. One of the most accomplished scrum-halves in the world, he too has left an indelible mark on Irish rugby and helped to underpin the most successful period in our rugby history. 

O’Mahony, Healy, and Murray have given so much to Irish rugby, and as they move forward, they do so with the full backing of a network designed to empower them in their next endeavours. With the support of the Global Rugby Players Foundation, Beyond the Game and Rugby Players Ireland will be there to guide them—just as they have guided Ireland to so many memorable moments on the pitch.

Player Development Programme (PDP)

Members of our PDP team were in Rome to attend the World Players Association‘s Elevate Conference which explored vulnerability in elite sport. The trip also included a meeting of Player Development Managers from the rugby world, facilitated by International Rugby Players.

Deirdre was also in attendance at Stadio Olimpico as GIRA – the Italian Rugby Players Association, launched their Player Development Programme: Oltre la Mischia. 

Irish Rugby Legends

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ben Brady

A prominent feature of Rugby Players Ireland’s PDP services now includes a comprehensive past player programme following the launch of Beyond the Game last year. Supported by the Global Rugby Players Foundation, Beyond the Game provides our past player community with a dedicated resource. 

It was therefore with great pleasure that we called upon the Irish Rugby Legends this year for the annual Legends fixtures against England to kick-off the Six Nations campaign. 

Having gathered for lunch at the Clayton Hotel on the Burlington Road, the players made their way to Energia Park where they played out an entertaining game against their English counterparts in front of over 2,000 people. Thankfully, the Shane Byrne led Irish side also prevailed on the pitch (52-30) in no small part to the injection of fresh legs like recent retirees Luke Marshall, Niyi Adeolokun, Harry McNulty, Rhys Ruddock and Jordi Murphy. 

Thanks to their efforts, thousands have been raised for several rugby related charities including the Rugby Players Ireland Foundation and the IRFU Charitable Trust. 

Grá

In-form winger James Lowe had a Valentine’s Day to remember as he and his wife Arnica became Irish citizens at a ceremony in the Convention Centre. 

Milestone

Dan Sheehan captained Ireland for the first time in what proved to be a tight battle in Cardiff. Earlier in the week photographs of a 4-year-old Sheehan on the shoulders of the late great Jonah Lomu resurfaced. 

Meanwhile, it was a case of another month and another record for Cian Healy as he became Ireland’s most capped player in the Men’s Six Nations when he appeared off the bench in Murrayfield. 

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

The form of numerous players on the cusp of the senior Irish squad was rewarded as they were called into a one-off game against England A. Unfortunately a young Ireland A side captained by Max Deegan were overcome by a strong English outfit at Ashton Gate. 

Women’s Six Nations

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Scott Bemand has named a 40-strong training panel ahead of the Women’s Six Nations which includes eight uncapped players in Alma Atagamen, Jane Neill, Beth Buttimer, Jane Clohessy, Sophie Barrett, Amy Larn, Katie Heffernan, and Caitríona Finn. 

Other notable inclusions are Aoibheann Reilly, who missed out on the Olympic Games with the Irish 7s through injury, while Béibhinn Parsons has also been included despite breaking her leg for the second time in five months last December.

Unfortunately, Ireland will be without injured co-captain Sam Monaghan. 

Representation

A recent Ipsos poll commissioned by UNI World Players has revealed strong public support for fair compensation and increased decision-making power for Olympic athletes. The findings indicate that 65% of respondents believe the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should share Olympic revenue with athletes, and over 60% support athletes having an equal say in decisions affecting their careers. Only 0.6% or revenue generated currently goes to athletes.

Irish Olympian Billy Dardis has joined the call for change. The former Irish 7s captain advocates for a future where athletes are adequately compensated and empowered within the Olympic movement.

Good Business

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Tadhg Beirne (2 year) and Garry Ringrose (3) have become the latest players to commit their long-term futures to rugby in Ireland. 

Josh and Fineen Wycherley, Niall Scannell, John Ryan and Sean O’Brien have each signed contract extensions at Munster Rugby, with Fionn Gibbons moving to a senior contract. They will be joined next season by former Irish U20s player Dan Kelly who joins the province from Leicester Tigers where he earned one cap for England back in 2021. 

Irish Abroad

Greystones man Dylan Fawsitt made Major League History as he became the first player in the competition’s history to earn 100 caps. 

In the lead up to the new MLR season, former Connacht Rugby player Gavin Thornbury was named captain of the Utah Warriors. 

Leinster Rugby stalwart Ross Byrne has put pen-to-paper on a deal that will see him line out for Gloucester Rugby next season. Meanwhile, Kieran Treadwell will bring his time at Ulster Rugby to an end this season and will return to Harlequins. 

Tackle Your Feelings

We were delighted to welcome Aaron Buggle to the TYF team in recent weeks. Aaron, who has been Player Development Manager with the Irish 7s since 2023, takes over from Dr Hannah McCormack who is on maternity leave having recently welcomed her baby daughter into the world. 

As Aaron settles into his new role, our schools visits have continued to play an important role for the  campaign. Recently, Nathan Doak and Stuart McCloskey called by Killard House School in Donaghadee, while Charlie Tector and Matt McDonald were in St. Benildus College in Stillorgan. 

Community Engagement

We are very proud of  Jack Dunne who has been visiting schools in the Cornwall to talk about his journey into professional rugby and his experience as a bisexual athlete. The initiative was part of The RPA’s celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month.

PROtect Integrity Online

For the past two years, Rugby Players Ireland has been engaged in PROtect Integrity Online, an EU-funded project in partnership with the European Athletes and Players Association.

Upon its conclusion last month, the project had educated 7,533 athletes across Europe and empowered them with the tools to resist match-fixing. The success of the project has led to the launching of PROtect Integrity Responsibly. 

Clubhouse

Former Munster Rugby player Alan Tynan was in flying form for Tipperary in Division 1A of the Allianz National League as they overcame Cork in Thurles. 

Ian McKinley has been busy providing accessible Six Nations commentary for visually and hearing-impaired viewers on Irish broadcaster Virgin Media Sport.

After making an inspiring return to rugby following a two-year break, post maternity leave and an ACL injury, Eimear Considine was named as the HerSport Personality of the Year. Her triumphant comeback, featuring a stellar performance for Ireland in the WXV1 tournament, highlighted her resilience and dedication. “I want to show that having a baby doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your sporting dreams,” said Considine.

The Munster Rugby London Dinner was flooded by current and former Munster Rugby players for a memorable evening that included a celebration of Doug Howlett‘s contribution to the province. The former All Black was presented with the Richard Harris Patron’s Award which recognises an individual who, through his or her life or work, encapsulates Munster’s values.