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Players' union 'immensely disappointed' as Ireland men's sevens cut

Ireland players look dejected after being knocked out of last year's Olympics tournamentGetty Images

Ireland were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Rugby Sevens at last summer's Olympics in Paris

Rugby Players Ireland chief executive Simon Keogh says the organisation is "immensely disappointed" by the decision to cut the Ireland men's sevens team at the end of the 2024-25 season.

On Wednesday, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed the cessation of the men's sevens programme as "part of a broader strategic effort to ensure long-term financial sustainability".

In November, the IRFU's financial results showed an 18m euro (£15.1m) deficit for the 2023-24 season.

The women's programme, however, is unaffected and will remain a "key development pathway" for the women's XVs game, the union added.

"Through adversity, these individuals have continued to represent Ireland with pride and commitment, and they deserve every assistance as they take the next step in their professional careers, on or off the pitch," said Keogh.

"We must also pay tribute to all those who have gone before them. In recent seasons, the Irish Men's Sevens have scaled unprecedented heights, earning great respect on the global stage.

"This news will be disheartening to a group that worked tirelessly to bring Ireland to the top tier of Sevens rugby."

Keogh added that Rugby Players Ireland's main priority remains the players' "ongoing fair treatment and wellbeing".

Hugo KeenanInpho

Ireland 15s and Leinster star Hugo Keenan is one of a number of established Irish internationals to play for the sevens side

In its statement on Wednesday, the IRFU said a review concluded that the men's sevens programme "does not contribute as a development pathway for the XVs game", adding that the provincial academy structures are offering "greater development opportunities".

"The financial situation we face is challenging, and it's crucial that we take decisive action to secure the long-term success of Irish Rugby," said IRFU high performance director David Humphreys.

"While the decision to end the men's sevens programme is a difficult one, it is necessary in order to ensure that our resources are focused on the areas that will have the greatest impact on the future of the game in Ireland.

"We are committed to making sure that this transition is handled with the utmost respect for all those who have contributed to the success of the sevens programme."

The men's sevens side played their last tournament in Los Angles earlier this month, finishing 11th and suffering relegation in the World SVNS Series.

They reached two Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 and in Paris last summer, finishing 10th in Japan and sixth in .

Ulster trio Nick Timoney, Robert Baloucoune and Zac Ward all played for Ireland's sevens side as did established Ireland 15s international Tadgh Beirne.

Ward, alongside Leinster and Ireland 15s international Hugo Keenan, featured in the sevens Olympics squad in Paris.

IRFU CEO Kevin Potts said that he was "very proud" of everything the sevens side has achieved.

"We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the men's sevens programme, especially in achieving qualification for the Tokyo and Paris Olympic games.

"Their unwavering dedication, hard work and skill played a vital role in elevating the profile of sevens rugby in Ireland."

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