News

Highlights: September 2025

World Cup Heartbreak

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Ireland’s Rugby World Cup journey ended in heartbreak at the quarter-final stage, edged out by Six Nations rivals France in a nail-biting contest. With the influential Aoife Wafer back in the side, Ireland surged into a commanding 13-0 half-time lead in the tough Exeter conditions, only to see France claw their way back to snatch a semi-final spot.

Though the result was bitterly disappointing given how close Ireland came, the team departed with immense credit. Their grit, style of play, and spirit both on and off the pitch displayed by Edel McMahon, Sam Monaghan and their teammates won admiration and fresh support throughout the tournament. 

The Green Wave continues to rise. 

RPI x HerSport

Rugby Players Ireland was in Brighton for Ireland’s clash with the Black Ferns. With a number of past players travelling to the game, RPI teamed up with HerSport to kit out the group with some bespoke kit. Our thanks to former Irish captain Carole-Anne Clarke for facilitating. 

Athlete Friendly Employer Network Breakfast

We were delighted to be at Sport Ireland along with many athletes and notable Irish companies for the Athlete Friendly Employer Networking breakfast. Amongst those present were numerous players who have recently retired from the game. 

Our thanks to Carol Keenan & Eoin Rheinisch of the Soort Ireland Institute for the invitation to what is always a valuable morning. 

All Roads Lead to Rome 

Representatives of Rugby Players Ireland travelled to Rome for several days of meetings with players’ associations from across the world, hosted by the World Players Association and the European Athletes and Players Association. 

The World Assembly was a notable highlight with some of the biggest names in sports’ representation in attendance to share their experiences, with particular attention being paid to the current climate in the United States and the effect it will have on sport elsewhere. 

Tackle Your Feelings 

TYF had a presence at the National Ploughing Championships with Alan Quinlan on site at the Zurich tent in Screggan to spread awareness of our campaign. 

Meanwhile, the team is excitedly preparing for the launch of a new platform. 

Irish Management Institute

Our congratulations to Paul Marshall (Diploma in Leadership) and Kieran Lewis (Diploma in Management) on their respective graduations from the Irish Management Institute recently. Both were recipients of the Rugby Players Ireland scholarships which have this year been offered to Eoin Griffin and Mick Kearney.

NFLPA Visit

Along with our Irish Athletes Alliance colleagues from the GPA and PFAI, we had the pleasure of meeting some of the NFLPA team who were in Dublin as the Steelers took on the Vikings at Croke Park. The NFLPA’s influence extends beyond American Football because of its size, resources, and history as one of the most powerful player unions in global sports.

RPI 7s Golf Day

With the Men’s 7s programme having drawn to a close, we were delighted to bring former teammates together for a golf morning at Killeen Castle. 

IRFU/RPI Agents’ Seminar 2025

Over 30 agents registered under the Home Nations scheme were at Rugby Players Ireland’s offices in Clonskeagh for a series of talks designed to help them in their representative pursuits. We are especially indebted to David Humphreys who joined us for a discussion on the contractual landscape in Irish Rugby. Other sessions included a governance update from the RFU, Signify advised on the new service made available to players and their families, while former footballer Marc Williams of EPIC Global Consulting shared his personal story of gambling addiction. 

Staff Strategy Session

Our sincerest thanks to Leinster Rugby who played host to our most recent staff meeting. Ahead of the new season, staff met with Simon Broughton and Guy Easterby to learn more about Leinster’s approach to off-field development, and how Rugby Players Island can compliment their efforts. 

IRP Conference

Ahead of the new season, global rugby representatives were in London for the IRP conference before moving on to Rome to participate in the World Players General Assembly. 

Football & Gambling 

Paul Marshall and former teammate Luke Marshall togged out for a 5-aside football competition at Stormont. Led by the PFANI, with members of the GPA and PFAI also in attendance along with Stormont executives, to participate in The Big Step five-a-side football campaign, an innovative initiative raising awareness of the harms caused by gambling and calling for tighter regulations on gambling advertising in sport.

Paul and Luke lined out with the PFANI and duly claimed the top prize, with Luke the unofficial golden boot winner! 

Player Updates

Rory Scannell has linked up with Ealing Trailfinders where former Ulster Rugby player Angus Kernohan has been installed as captain. 

Scannell’s former Munster Rugby teammate Jack Daly made his bow for the Western Force in their final Super Rugby AUS round-robin game against the Reds at the weekend. 

Clubhouse

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

Our congratulations to Lynne Cantwell who will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame following the Rugby World Cup final in Twickenham. Lynne was last year inducted into the Rugby Players Ireland Hall of Fame. 

Wishing Conor Murray well on the launch of his autobiography, Cloud 9. 

Dave Kilcoyne has graduated from the University of Limerick with a diploma in Aviation Leasing & Finance. 

Check out his interview with the Irish Independent here.