Gillian McDarby Appointed Women’s Sevens Team Manager

Gillian McDarby joins the IRFU from Cycling Ireland where she held the position of Women’s national development coach.

At Cycling Ireland, Gillian was responsible for athlete performance analysis, delivery and monitoring of athlete training programmes and working with coaches on athlete development as part of the Talent 2020 initiative.

For the past three years, Gillian has managed the national road squad for Ras Na Mban – the 5-Day International Road Racing Stage Event – with the team winning the event in 2011 and 2013.

Gillian joins Jon Skurr, Ireland omen’s Sevens head coach, and his backroom team with immediate effect.

Eddie Wigglesworth, IRFU Director of Rugby, commented: “Gillian is an excellent addition to the Ireland Women’s Sevens management team.

“Her experience in helping to develop young athletes will be invaluable in the continuing progression of the Ireland Women’s Sevens squad.”

Gillian said: “I am delighted to be joining the IRFU’s Women’s Sevens set-up at what is a very exciting time for the sport in Ireland. There is a great opportunity for this group to achieve something special over the coming years.”