An open letter from the IRFU President to all Rugby Clubs
An open letter from the IRFU President to all Rugby Clubs
It is with enormous pride that I write to you as the President of the IRFU on the release of
our latest strategic policy document ‘Rugby in Ireland 2024 – 2028’.
As we approach the 150th anniversary season of the IRFU there is so much to celebrate and
be optimistic about in Irish Rugby, but of course we also face many challenges. This strategy
paper is the IRFU’s blueprint for embracing and tackling the opportunities and challenges
which we will encounter over the coming 4-year cycle.
Over the past 18 months an enormous amount of consultation has taken place to develop
this vision as we continue to develop our game. For the first time our four Provinces have
been an integral part of this process, ensuring it is truly reflective of rugby across the island.
I am proud to be a Club person through and through and it has been imperative to me, as
indeed to all in the IRFU, that this strategic vision recognises and values the role our
grassroots game plays in the development of our participants.
It is also important that this strategy continues to acknowledge the critical role our
volunteers play in the delivery of all aspects of our game. The commitment and dedication
from you has been crucial to Rugby’s growth and I hope all Clubs will continue to share in
our vision for the game over the next cycle.
Our women’s game is now growing year on year, but there can be no complacency. With a
Rugby World Cup in 2025 in England, it is an exciting time for girls and women in Rugby. In
this strategy we are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that ‘player pathways’ receive
increased investment, providing opportunities for female players to develop and to achieve
their ambitions.
Irish Rugby has enjoyed significant growth in recent times, reflecting our flourishing stature
in the international game. Our ambition in the IRFU is to continue to Inspire, Connect &
Thrive at every level as we pursue our mission of promoting the game throughout Ireland.
‘Rugby in Ireland 2024 -2028 can be viewed in full
on the Irish Rugby website:
www.irishrugby.ie/rugbyinirelandstrategicplan
Yours in Rugby,
GREG BARRETT
President, IRFU 2023/24