Ireland turn pro

The Irish Sports Council has provided a training award with the programme being administered by the IRFU. The 19 contracted players are based in Dubli as they prepare for the qualifying road to the 2016 Olympics. In turning professional Ireland are joining a raft of other nations on the same path including Russia, England, USA, Canada and Australia but it is not yet known if their 7s players will be made available or 15s duty, as is happening in England this season. The Irish XV team is also still without a coaching set up just three months out from the 6 Nations. Read more about Ireland turn …