Munster’s Niamh Briggs appointed to provincial Women’s Rugby leadership role with IRFU

Munster’s Niamh Briggs appointed to provincial Women’s Rugby leadership role with IRFU. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

Niamh Briggs, Munster legend and Ireland’s Six Nations-winning captain, is taking on a new role in Women’s Rugby leadership with the IRFU

Irish Rugby has announced four new provincial Women’s Rugby leadership roles, with Munster legend Niamh Briggs set to take on the role, helping continue the development and professionalisation of the women’s game across Ireland.

The newly appointed leaders will form an integrated provincial network tasked with designing a connected provincial pathway, supporting the progression of 16- 23-year-old age-grade players through to the senior game. These full-time roles purposely sit at the intersection of domestic rugby, age-grade development, and performance pathways and enables creation of a sustainable and aligned system nationwide.

Briggs, representing Munster, will be joined by Connacht’s Larissa Muldoon, Leinster’s Derek Maybury, and Ulster’s Neill Alcorn, who in addition to their provincial remit, will add to the significant evolution of the wider women’s performance ecosystem. Niamh, along with Larissa and Neill take on the roles from their previous positions within the Women’s National Talent Squad (WNTS) and associated pathway programmes, demonstrating both the strength of existing structures and the growing demand for experienced leadership in the women’s game.

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The newly created provincial structure is designed to deliver a sustainable Women’s player pathway spanning 16 – 23 years and senior levels. By embedding dedicated leadership roles within each province, Irish Rugby aims to ensure consistency in standards, greater alignment between regions, and enhanced player experiences.

Niamh Briggs said she is “delighted” to take on the role at “such an exciting stage in the evolution of the women’s game”. She said, “There is real momentum building across Irish Rugby, and this role provides a significant opportunity to strengthen the pathway here in Munster and support players as they progress from age-grade rugby through to the senior game.

“The development of a connected and sustainable pathway is vital as we move towards greater professionalism, and I’m really looking forward to working with the players, coaches, clubs, schools and staff across the province to help drive that progress. I can’t wait to get started.”

The transition of experienced personnel into these roles represents a natural progression in the system’s maturation. At the same time, it creates a pipeline effect—opening up positions within the WNTS and other national development programmes that are critical to identifying and nurturing emerging talent.

The introduction of these four leadership roles reflects a coordinated national approach to developing women’s rugby, with each province adapting the role to its specific needs while contributing to a shared vision for growth.

Lynne Cantwell, Head of Women’s Strategy at Irish Rugby, said the appointments mark a “hugely important step” in developing the game for women and girls in Ireland.

She said, “By establishing dedicated leadership roles in each province that are centrally connected through Irish rugby, we are building the structures needed to support players at every stage of their journey, within a connected system of people across domestic, pathway and performance rugby.

“Just as importantly, the movement of experienced people into these positions creates new opportunities within our national talent programmes. That ripple effect strengthens the entire system—from emerging players to the coaches and performance support staff who support them—and ensures we continue to build depth and sustainability across women’s rugby.

“It has been a difficult week for women’s rugby in Ireland following the loss of Philip “Goose” Doyle who was so influential in women’s rugby. Knowing him as we did, we know he would be happy to see the signs of growth in the game through the roles being announced, reflecting progress being made and building on the legacy he leaves.”

By investing in both leadership and provincial pathway roles simultaneously, Irish Rugby is reinforcing its commitment to long-term success. The creation of additional roles within the national system underscores the depth of ambition within the sport and highlights the opportunities now available for coaches, administrators and practitioners seeking to contribute to its future.

These developments come at a pivotal time for women’s rugby in Ireland, as participation continues to rise and the performance pathway evolves to meet new demands. The establishment of a connected provincial leadership network, alongside expanded opportunities within the Women’s National Talent Squad, signals a clear intent to accelerate growth and performance in the years ahead.

Niamh Briggs was captain of the 2015 Ireland Six Nations winning team and was also the top points scorer that season, and has also represented Ireland in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.