The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 continues to shape decisions both on and off the field. And Irish Rugby’s head of women’s strategy, Lynne Cantwell. Believes Aoife Wafer’s recent move to Harlequins can serve as a valuable catalyst for progress. Cantwell sees the switch to the English Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) club as a positive step for Wafer’s personal development and a chance to bring back higher standards to the Irish setup.
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She emphasised that while such international moves can elevate individual performance levels. There remains a strong desire within the IRFU to eventually have Ireland’s top female players based domestically. The long-term vision, according to Cantwell, is to develop an elite structure in Ireland capable of supporting world-class talent from within its own borders. Even as short-term opportunities abroad are embraced to help sharpen competitiveness ahead of global tournaments.
Harlequins Move and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Vision
With the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 just over the horizon. Aoife Wafer’s transfer to Harlequins has come at a pivotal time for Irish women’s rugby. Lynne Cantwell, Head of Women’s Strategy at the IRFU, views the move as a strategic gain. Not only for Wafer’s own development, but also for the long-term benefit of the national team. At Harlequins, Wafer will be exposed to top-tier coaching, world-class teammates. And regular high-pressure matches, all of which are crucial in helping her prepare for rugby’s most prestigious tournament later this summer.
Driving Higher Standards Ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
Cantwell believes the level of professionalism Wafer will experience in the English Premiership. Women’s Rugby (PWR) league will significantly elevate her personal and tactical performance. This, in turn, will benefit Ireland’s preparations for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 by raising expectations and introducing best practices to the wider squad. Cantwell points to areas like player welfare, game intensity, and preparation standards. All of which Wafer will encounter in England and can later bring back to Ireland’s national environment to raise the overall standard. Read Also Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Hike
Balancing Club Moves with Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Priorities
Despite her support for Wafer’s decision, Cantwell is quick to underline the importance of aligning such moves with Ireland’s broader strategic vision. The IRFU ultimately hopes to have their top players training at home in an elite environment tailored to the national programme’s needs. But with the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 approaching fast, allowing players to test themselves in rigorous foreign. Competitions is seen as a necessary short-term solution to stay competitive on the world stage while the domestic high-performance infrastructure continues to evolve.
IRFU’s Structural Goals Linked to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
As Cantwell explains, Wafer’s move shines a spotlight on the gap between Ireland’s current domestic setup and the type of elite systems players need to thrive. The IRFU is using the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 as a benchmark to evaluate and improve its own structures. They are now working to establish more competitive club fixtures, increase investment in facilities. And provide full-time pathways for women players. These changes are designed not just to meet international standards, but to exceed them and create a self-sustaining talent ecosystem.
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Development Pathways Must Serve the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and Beyond
The IRFU’s approach isn’t just about one tournament. While the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is a short-term motivator, Cantwell stresses that they are building a model to support sustained excellence. That includes developing regional academies, recruiting top-level coaches, and designing comprehensive training programmes for emerging talent. The aim is to ensure that young players can climb the performance ladder from grassroots to green jersey. Without needing to relocate or rely on sporadic opportunities abroad for growth and exposure.
Learning from Abroad to Enhance Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Prep
Cantwell also recognizes the value of learning from other nations who’ve taken similar approaches. Ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, several countries. Including Wales and Scotland, have also encouraged their players to gain overseas experience to accelerate learning. The key, she says, is to use these moments wisely to bring knowledge home, to enhance coaching conversations. And to expose teammates to higher standards. Wafer’s time with Harlequins could serve as a living blueprint for what’s needed to succeed against the world’s best.
Long-Term Vision for a Home-Based Elite Squad
While overseas development is welcome for now, Cantwell emphasizes the IRFU’s commitment. To establishing a domestic high-performance environment that eliminates the need for such moves. The long-term goal is for Ireland’s top athletes to remain based in their home country. Surrounded by expert support teams and year-round competitive fixtures. This home-based model is seen as essential not just for convenience but for ensuring continuity. Consistency, and a stronger national identity on the international stage.
Creating a Culture of Excellence at Home
To make this vision a reality, the IRFU is working to instill a high-performance culture across all levels of women’s rugby. This includes not just technical and physical standards but also leadership development. Psychological resilience, and long-term athlete management. Cantwell explains that changing the culture means redefining what’s expected from players daily. From training intensity to nutrition and recovery habits. So that those standards become the norm across Ireland’s rugby landscape.
The Harlequins Move as a Short-Term Solution
Cantwell frames Wafer’s move as a tactical decision designed to address Ireland’s current gaps. While broader changes are still underway. Harlequins offer a level of competition and professionalism that the Irish domestic scene currently cannot match. The idea is to use this as a temporary bridge. To ensure that players like Wafer can continue to grow without being limited by current local limitations. At the same time, the IRFU is tracking her development closely to ensure alignment with Ireland’s systems and game plans.
Strengthening Domestic Leagues for the Future
In parallel, efforts are ramping up to transform the Irish domestic league into a more competitive and sustainable model. Cantwell mentions that improving club competition. Expanding talent identification networks, and better resourcing teams are all part of the agenda. The goal is to make the local scene so attractive and effective that top-tier athletes like Wafer no longer feel the need to leave. This would allow Ireland to retain control of its talent pool and build team cohesion more effectively.
Encouraging Dialogue Between Club and Country
Wafer’s move to Harlequins also underscores the importance of strong coordination between foreign clubs and the IRFU. Cantwell stresses that clear lines of communication will remain open throughout the season. Covering areas like training load, match preparation, and injury management. This ensures that Wafer’s development overseas is always serving the bigger picture of Ireland’s success. And that she can seamlessly reintegrate into national training camps without disruption or misalignment.
A Symbol of Progress and Possibility
For Cantwell, Wafer’s rise is a symbol of both how far Irish women’s rugby has come and how far it still has to go. That she’s attracted interest from one of the PWR’s top clubs speaks volumes about her talent and the potential of the Irish system. But it also serves as a reminder that more work is needed at home. As the IRFU continues to invest in women’s rugby, stories like Wafer’s represent both inspiration and instruction. Proof that the pathway works, and that Ireland is on the brink of something bigger.
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