Rugby In Ireland – Strategic Plan 2024/2028

The purpose of this document is to set out a strategy for Rugby in Ireland – how we intend to continue to develop our game, embrace opportunities and tackle challenges over the next four years.

The strategy has been developed by the Irish Rugby Football Union in conjunction with Connacht, Leinster, Munster and
Ulster Rugby.

We believe that delivering this strategy, in partnership with our Provinces, Clubs, Schools, partner organisations and commercial partners will drive us to ensure that Rugby in Ireland continues to thrive.

A sincere thank you to everyone contributing to Rugby in Ireland. Our sport thrives thanks to the valuable time given by volunteers right across the game. Your involvement and support have made Rugby in Ireland what it is today, and we invite you to share in our excitement for the promising future that this next chapter will bring.

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What does rugby give you? Being part of a team or a family? Having fun? Taking part? Here’s what it means to just some of the people in our rugby family including Ireland internationals Aoife Wafer and Caelan Doris.

Rugby In Ireland – Strategic Plan 2024-2028

Please click here to download a PDF of the IRFU Strategic Plan

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A Message From Greg Barrett, IRFU President

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.

Yours in Rugby,
GREG BARRETT
President, IRFU 2023/24