THE IRFU have made a climbdown over the two reviews into the women's game ahead of their meeting with Government ministers.
Union bosses will now publish the two reviews - one is into the failed World Cup qualifying bid, the other into the long-term development of women's rugby in Ireland - having previously stated that only 'findings' would be made public.
Minister for State for Sport Jack Chambers expressed his disappointment with the IRFU on Wednesday over their response to a letter critical of the Union written by 59 current and former women's internationals to the Government.
Minister Chambers and Minister for Sport Catherine Martin responded to the players' plea to meet with the IRFU, after the players insisted they no longer had trust in the Union to provide leadership.
The IRFU's quick-fire response was critical of the 'overall tenor' of the letter but was widely condemned.
Now Irish rugby chiefs say they expect to meet with Minister Chambers next week, and hope to hold talks with the disaffected current and past players in the new year.
They also say that the widening rift between both parties is "regrettable" and that the Union will "work tirelessly" to fix the situation.
For the reviews to be published in full is something of a victory for the players group, given that previous IRFU reviews - for example into the performance of the Ireland men's teams at World Cups - have not been fully disclosed.
An IRFU statement reads: "The IRFU expects that the initial review, into the RWC’21 qualification campaign, will be completed by Amanda Bennett, and her colleagues, in January, while the wider review is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2022 (subject to completion).
"The IRFU wishes to assure all those devoted to rugby, including the players who issued the recent letter to Government Ministers, that the situation that developed, particularly in the last week, is regrettable and we will work tirelessly to mend and build the relationship between the Union and our players.
"We are committed to the development of the women’s game, from grassroots to elite level, to provide the opportunity for girls and women to enjoy lifelong participation in rugby.
The IRFU will seek to meet a delegation from the women’s group early in the New Year and assures them that their views will be listened to and fed into future planning.
"The IRFU hope to meet with Minister Chambers next week."
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
