Women's rugby in Ireland 'at start of rapid journey'

McCaughey says it is a 'personal priority' to grow the women's game in Ulster

Ulster Rugby chief executive Hugh McCaughey believes women's rugby in Ireland will be "unrecognisable" in the next three to five years as it develops rapidly.

The women's game in Ireland is a priority for the Irish Rugby Football Union [IRFU] according to its four-year strategic plan launched in June.

The plan includes a move towards four contracted provincial teams, something which McCaughey believes will be achievable in the time frame.

"We're at the start of a really rapid journey and I think if you look already, women's rugby is one of if not the fastest growing sports on this island," he told BBC Sport NI.

"Irish rugby has released its strategy with the view to have a contracted team by 2026-27 so we're starting to see that really accelerate.

"We want that to be at the forefront of our journey and that's what we're planning for at the minute."

'It is uncharted water'

McCaughey took up the Ulster CEO position on an interim basis in March before agreeing to remain until the end of 2025 earlier this month.

He admits that it will take considered planning beginning now for the historic implementation of four contracted provinces to flourish in three years' time.

"It's difficult because it is uncharted waters, but we have to sit down and think about what the game should look like," he explained.

"If we are going to have a contracted team in three years what will that look like and what do the players need in place and how will we get that in place and transition to a way that is phased," McCaughey continued.

"We're challenging ourselves to look at what it will take and how we will produce this."

The former health trust chief executive hopes that the club's current financial struggles will not impact on his desire to have a contracted women's team at Ulster.

Ulster Rugby is facing a deficit of between £2.5m and £3m, but McCaughey insists that a plan is in place to deal with the province's financial issues.

"It is going to be a challenge; we know rugby worldwide is facing financial challenges.

"Our finances from this season just past were well publicised last week, so it is a challenge, but we have to find a way as this is something that is a personal priority."

'We need to focus on the current squad'

Whilst planning gets underway for a contracted Ulster side further down the line to ensure there is a "pathway" in place, McCaughey was also keen to stress the importance on focusing on the current squad.

A battling Ulster side were beaten 29-22 by Munster in the opening Women's Interpro at Virgin Media Park in Cork last weekend.

They will now host Connacht on Saturday in a game that is live on BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport website.

And McCaughey believes that their positives to take from the Munster game despite the defeat.

"We showed a lot of skill played the better phases and patterns and scored some excellent tries, he said.

"We conceded some soft ones which I’m sure the coaches are unhappy about so there is an awful lot to build on and that is key for us.

"We need to develop and grow as this group will lay the foundation for the future generation."