He believes that this decision is “ultimately necessary”
Last week, the IRFU announced the decision to end the men’s sevens programme at the end of the 24/25 season. The IRFU stated that this decision was taken to ensure long-term financial sustainability, and focus on key initiatives in their strategic plan.
This call has been made just 10 months after the men’s sevens team was sent to the Olympics, and has led to backlash from a number of people, including former Ireland sevens star Terry Kennedy, who labelled the situation as a disgrace.
Some have sided with the IRFU’s decision, with Ireland great Gordon D’Arcy seeing this move as a sensible choice in the wake of the financial troubles in rugby globally.
In his column for the Irish Times, he said: “Although that choice may feel like a step backwards, it is a pragmatic and ultimately necessary one in today’s economic climate. Against this deteriorating financial backdrop, Ireland has chosen sustainability over sentiment.
“The Sevens programmes, while valuable, lacked the depth of infrastructure and pathways needed for consistent long-term success. That’s not a reflection on the players, who have achieved a great deal over the last decade, but rather on the structure of Irish rugby itself.”
The former Inside centre feels there are a number of problems that can begin to be solved with this change. D’Arcy believes grassroots have been underfunded, particularly in the women’s game at club and school level.
He believes players being produced by this system, such as Six Nations Player of the Championship Aoife Wafer, are succeeding not because of the system, but despite it.
D’Arcy added: “With Sevens and women’s rugby generating minimal income and most aspects of the professional game running at a loss, the decision to double down on the men’s 15s game makes hard economic sense.”
