Eddy Seeking Positives Out of World Cup Qualifier Postponement
Katie Fitzhenry (pictured on the right) in action for Ireland Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
IRFU Director of Women’s Rugby, Anthony Eddy, today said that they will look at the performance opportunities available to his women’s team after World Rugby, Rugby Europe and Six Nations confirmed fixture postponements and cancelations due to COVID-19.
Instantly seeking positives from the disappointing news of the cancelation of their final Women’s Six Nations game, against France, and the postponement of the Women’s Rugby World Cup Qualifying tournament, from December to a yet to be confirmed date in 2021, Eddy identified opportunity to continue to train and prepare, plan and focus even more on the important qualifiers.
The IRFU will work with World Rugby and the other Unions affected to identify a window in 2021 to play the qualifiers.
Speaking today Eddy said, “Covid-19 has been disruptive for so many people, and from the start of the pandemic we set out to be flexible and dynamic in our response to ever changing circumstances.
The squad has been positive through all of this and will continue to work hard to improve. We have been focusing on the qualifiers for well over a year now and that will not change. The group achieved three home Six Nations wins in 2020 which is an excellent outcome, and this additional time will allow more preparation in qualifying for the 2021 World Cup.
The squad has a busy schedule and our plan will slightly change – they will regroup and competition for spots will intensify as we all focus on preparation for 2021.”
Katie O’Dwyer, Neve Jones and Brittany Hogan were Ireland’s three new caps on the night at Energia Park ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Ireland finish the campaign with three home wins including last month’s victory against Italy that saw some exciting new combinations and three new caps.