This weekend, in Las Vegas, Ireland are competing in the USA Rugby Sevens tournament.
Part of the Sevens World Series, Ireland will hope to build on the decent strides they have made since qualifying as a full tour member.
The downside to Ireland’s recent and vigorous embracing of the Sevens game is set to be a major one – Women’s head coach looks to have lost out on three of is best players for this weekend’s Six Nations game against France.
Alison Miller, Hannah Tyrrell and 2016 Women’s Player of the Year Sene Naoupu all look set to miss out on a crucial championship game at Donnybrook. Ireland are currently top of the Six Nations table but the toughest tests – against France and England – await at Donnybrook.
The unusual situation was first reported by The42 on Tuesday but the IRFU has not yet made any squad confirmations.
Director of Women’s and Sevens Rugby Anthony Eddy is due to meet the media on Thursday evening, the same day that Ireland’s match-day squad to play France is announced. Given that the 15s team compete in a World Cup tournament they are hosting, later this year, the decision to send three of the country’s best players to Vegas is one that will take some explaining.
Miller, Tyrrell and Naoupu are all contracted to the IRFU under the Sevens programme.
The USA Rugby Sevens tournament in Las Vegas will see Ireland take on hosts USA, Fiji and Spain.
