Rugby sevens given reality check as Ireland disbands its men’s team
Irish union decides to discontinue men’s team as it says sevens does not help develop the 15s game – but women’s team will continue
The World Rugby Sevens Series has received a blow with news that the Irish union has decided to discontinue its men’s programme at the end of this season.
The decision followed a review after last year’s Olympics, and was “part of a broader strategic effort to ensure long-term financial sustainability and focus on key initiatives”, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said.
It came after the release last November of its financial results, which showed an €18 million (US$20.2 million) deficit for the 2023-24 season.
The union said it had found that the men’s sevens programme did not contribute as a development pathway for the 15-a-side game, with current academy structures in the provinces offering greater opportunities on that front.
However, the IRFU confirmed that the women’s sevens programme would remain in place as a development pathway for the women’s 15s team.
David Humphreys, IRFU’s high-performance director, said: “The financial situation we face is challenging, and it’s crucial that we take decisive action to secure the long-term success of Irish rugby.”