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Rugby

"They've pushed aside that report now" | Fiona Hayes & Ciara Griffin on Ireland women's team

Former Ireland captains Fiona Hayes & Ciara Griffin feel the air in the Ireland camp has chan...



Rugby

"They've pushed aside that report now" | Fiona Hayes & Ciara Griffin on Ireland women's team

Former Ireland captains Fiona Hayes & Ciara Griffin feel the air in the Ireland camp has changed following last year's IRFU report.

Hayes & Griffin joined Richie McCormack for this week's episode of The Six Nations Show, previewing the Women's Six Nations.

Earlier this month, the IRFU apologised to its players following a report into the Irish team's failure to qualify for the last World Cup. IRFU CEO Kevin Potts said they are committed to developing the women's game in Ireland.

Hayes & Griffin believe the team has started on a clean slate as they prepare to face Wales in Dublin this weekend. The pair think new head coach Greg McWilliams had a big part in this.

"When Greg came into the role, he said the 7s would be included," said Hayes. "The plan was laid out, and everybody bought into that system.

"He made it very clear at the start. He will be deciding everything on form and how people are training.

"The big thing is he went back to the girls and said you need to go back to your clubs, and I need you to play rugby. I need you to play, and I will watch the video footage, and you will get to the 15s camp based on your merit.

"That's what I think the players wanted across the board."

Griffin, who retired in November last year, says there is cohesion in the camp, following last year's poor results.

"There's a good buzz around the camp which is great," admits Griffin. "There's a real sense of cohesion. People know where they're at.

"They know where they're playing, what they're doing, and what they're meant to do. I think that's good; there's a clarity that will only help the group going forward."

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Ciara Griffin Fiona Hayes Greg McWilliams IRFU Nichola Fryday Rugby Six Nations Women's Six Nations