IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne has issued a statement following confirmation of Ronan O'Gara's decision to retire from playing professional rugby.

IRFU provincial and national age grade coaches - Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s - and IRFU elite player development staff from the four provinces gathered recently to review their experiences, discuss challenges and align closer to ensure the development of more effective elite players across the IRFU Elite Player Pathway.

The IRFU today announced a new one-year contract with Brian O'Driscoll which will see him remain available to play for Ireland and Leinster until the end of June 2014.

Ireland's Women continued their Rugby Sevens development by winning the Plate final at the London Sevens over the weekend.