Lynne Cantwell, holding the record for the most number of appearances for the Irish women’s team, has been selected as the new leader of Women’s Strategy by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). Cantwell, who used to play for the Irish team that seized the Grand Slam in 2013 and achieved 86 caps representing the country, is set to begin her tenure with the IRFU in January. After her noteworthy rugby career, Cantwell had been working part-time for the South African Rugby Union (SARU) as the manager for women’s high performance, a role she will continue to preserve during the leadership transition.
Cantwell’s appointment transpires in accordance with the “Rugby in Ireland” plan, launched by IRFU earlier in the year, aiming to expedite the progress of the women’s rugby sector. “I take great pride in being part of the IRFU at an exciting time for the women’s sport. Having kick-started my personal rugby career through the Irish club and its domestic matches, I am ardent about paving the way for women and young girls who aspire to make strides in this sport. Ensuring they experience a pathway from grassroots to elite level that aids them in reaching their full potential is something I truly care about,” Cantwell expressed on her new appointment.
Kevin Potts, the chief executive of IRFU, regards Cantwell’s appointment as a pivotal advancement and a strong declaration of the shared aspiration for women’s rugby in Ireland. “Lynne’s exemplary leadership both on and off the field gives us hope about the substantial impact she will have in advancing women’s rugby both nationally and internationally.”