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IRFU bring back Lynne Cantwell after 'phenomenal' stint in South Africa

A tearful Lynne Cantwell, Ireland, after the game. 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final, Ireland v England, Stade Jean Bouin, Paris, France. Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE (Photo by Sportsfile/Corbis/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has announced the appointment of Lynne Cantwell as Head of Women’s Strategy for Irish Rugby.

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Cantwell is the most capped player in Irish women’s rugby history with 86 appearances and brings extensive experience to the role. The 43-year-old will take up her new position in January 2025.

During her career she played a key part in Ireland’s Six Nations Grand Slam win and their historic victory over New Zealand, as well as reaching the Rugby World Cup semi-final in 2014.

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She will leave her current role as Women’s High Performance Manager for South African Rugby after doing a ‘phenomenal’ job on the union’s women’s programme.

“I am excited about joining the IRFU at a time when there is much commitment and optimism around the Women’s game. Having started my own rugby career through the club and domestic game in Ireland, I am passionate about the journey for women and girls taking up and playing the sport and ensuring they experience a pathway from bottom to top that enables them to reach their full potential,” said Cantwell.

“I am grateful to the IRFU for facilitating me in concluding some of my work with the SARU during a transitionary period. I am looking forward to getting started in the New Year.”

IRFU Chief Executive, Kevin Potts, says: “Welcoming Lynne to Irish Rugby as Head of Women’s Strategy is a huge step in our journey, and I believe a major statement of intent about our collective ambition for Women’s Rugby in Ireland.

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“Lynne’s leadership, both on and off the field, is exemplary and we are excited about the impact she will have in advancing Women’s Rugby across Ireland and internationally in the coming years.”

Cantwell joined SA Rugby in February 2021 and has been lauded by the union for her work. SA Rugby President Mark Alexander said: “The impact Lynne has had since she joined SA Rugby to resurrect the women’s programme was phenomenal, to say the least,” said Mr Alexander.

“Our desire and mission to elevate the women’s game was clear, but that was only be made possible by Lynne’s unrelenting passion and vision to get that job done. Her vast institutional knowledge of women’s rugby and international reputation opened new avenues for us and showed the way to so many positive outcomes.”

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1 Comment
B
BC 60 days ago

Great coup for Ireland. Lynne has made a huge difference to South African Women's rugby.

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J
JW 2 hours ago
Razor's 2024 All Blacks Christmas wish list

Razor isn't a grinch to ask for two wins against SA, and if he was to ask for two, those would be meaningless if the record is still lost. After SA come to Eden Park the game he'll most ask to be gift wrapped is Eden Park's Bledisloe Cup.


He's also already got Mo'unga I'd say, what he'd be asking of Robinson (or whoever takes over) is that the rules are bent to all his inclusion without first representing Canterbury. Razor will need a lot of good will spirit heading his own way if he selects Mo'unga to start in July against France.

When a Dupont-less, understrength B-team French outfit heads over to Aotearoa in July for a highly anticipated series down under, nothing less than a 3-0 sweep will suffice for the All Blacks. 

You aren't very good at sneaking a look at what's in the Xmas hamper around you Henry? If Toulouse somehow fluff one of their knockout games they will be able to tour (only players in the Final are excluded) and it will basically be Dupont's Toulouse versus all of New Zealand in July. They will be VERY hard to beat.


The old Christmas excitement gets the best of everybody. Personally I think Razor would be saving up backline wish for some creativity and spark till next Xmas. Mostly he'll wanting to stay in the good books and for fans to pay attention next year.

It seems like the idea of Ardie Savea moving to openside flanker is no longer on the table, and World Breakthrough 15’s Player of the Year Wallace Sititi seems to have locked down the number six jersey.

Ardie was selected as an openside flanker against France, two games ago. Dalton Papali'i is the incumbent though and while the jersey number is largely irrelevant, he might still want somebody to stand out in the 6 jersey next year.


It would be my own wish that Ardie is asked to be selected at 7 again, and play like a 7, though. I really hope that no one stands out in the 6 jersey for Razor though, so he's forced to think creatviely and move Scott Barrett there lol

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