IRFU Open Up Elite Women's Rugby Pathway Opportunity
The IRFU has announced a new nationwide series of Talent Transfer Combines aimed at identifying high-potential female athletes from other sporting backgrounds and introducing them to the elite rugby performance pathway.
The initiative is designed to provide athletes with an opportunity to showcase their physical and athletic qualities in a high-performance environment, with the potential to transition into full-time professional rugby. For those who demonstrate the right attributes, the pathway could ultimately lead to representing Ireland at major global events, including Rugby Sevens at the LA 2028 Olympic Games and the Rugby World Cup in 2029.
The combines will be staged across four university venues but are open to all eligible athletes, not solely university students. The IRFU is encouraging women from a broad range of sporting disciplines to attend, particularly those who have competed at a high level and are seeking a new challenge.
The Union is also targeting athletes who may be suitable to compete at the 2026 University Games in Stellenbosch, alongside those with ambitions of progressing to longer-term international honours.
On the day, participants will be assessed by an experienced talent identification panel including Ireland Sevens Head Coach James Topping, John McKee, Katie Fitzhenry and the Women’s National Talent Squad coaches from each province. The provincial coaching teams include former Ireland internationals Niamh Briggs (Munster) and Larissa Muldoon (Connacht).
Testing will focus on the core athletic components required for elite rugby performance, with particular emphasis on speed and acceleration, agility and movement efficiency, and gym-based strength and power. Athletes will also take part in small-sided games designed to assess hand-eye coordination, decision-making and overall game awareness.
The programme forms part of the IRFU’s ongoing strategy to broaden the talent pool and provide clear and aspirational entry points into the women’s game. Rugby currently stands as the only full-time professional team sport for women in Ireland, offering a defined and resourced pathway for athletes capable of performing at the highest level.
James Topping said the combines represent a genuine opportunity for crossover athletes to explore their potential in rugby.
“We know there is a huge amount of untapped athletic potential across Irish sport, and these combines are about giving those athletes a genuine opportunity to see how their skills could translate to rugby,” he said. “Speed, agility, power and competitiveness are all qualities that transfer exceptionally well, and we’re excited to assess athletes in a high-performance environment.
“Rugby offers a clear, fully professional pathway for women in Ireland, and for the right athletes this could be the first step towards representing Ireland at events like LA 2028 or the Rugby World Cup in 2029. If you’ve competed at a high level in another sport and are curious about what’s possible, we’d strongly encourage you to come along and test yourself.”
Combine Dates and Venues
Tuesday, 24 March – Munster (UL North Campus)Gym: 11.00am – 1.00pmPitch: 12.00pm – 2.00pm
Thursday, 26 March – Leinster (DCU St Pat’s)Gym and Pitch: 10.00am – 1.00pm
Tuesday, 14 April – Ulster (PEC & Queen’s)Gym: 11.00am – 1.00pmPitch: 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Wednesday, 15 April – Connacht (Dexcom Stadium)Gym and Pitch: 6.00pm – 9.00pm
For ambitious athletes with the physical tools and competitive mindset to succeed, the IRFU’s Talent Transfer Combines offer a direct route into Ireland’s high-performance rugby system — and potentially onto the world’s biggest sporting stages.
Image Credit: Irish Rugby and Inpho.ie
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