THE IRFU WILL discontinue its men’s Sevens programme following at the end of this season.

It follows major changes under new performance director David Humphreys, who is reviewing the IRFU’s various programmes.

The Union has concluded that the Men’s Sevens Programme is not a viable development pathway for players seeking to enter the 15s game.

It added that academy structures within provinces offer “greater development opportunities” for players. The decision is part of a broader strategic plan being undertaken by the Union to ensure financial sustainability. 

Last November, the IRFU’S financial reports for the 2023/24 season revealed a deficit of €18 million for the 2023/24 season, with the Union spending €4.2m on Sevens.

Humphreys said this evening: “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.

“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,” he added.

The women’s Sevens programme will continue, as it does play a “vital role” in the development of female players for the 15s game, the Union said.

Humphreys said the programme will be a “critical part” of the women’s team development: “We fully recognise the need for a structured pathway for our female athletes and are committed to continuing the growth of the women’s programme.

“The women’s game is still in its infancy stage and as the structures within the women’s game evolve, we will continue to monitor the impact that Sevens has as a development opportunity,” he added.

The men’s Sevens team qualified for the 2020 and 2024 Olympics, finishing 10th in Tokyo and sixth in Paris. While it was hoped the Paris Games would help drive interest around Sevens’ rugby in Ireland, the men’s programme is now set to wind up.

IRFU CEO Kevin Potts today thanked everyone who has contributed to the success of the men’s Sevens programme – particularly the teams who achieved qualification for the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.

“Their unwavering dedication, hard work and skill played a vital role in elevating the profile of Sevens rugby in Ireland. We are very proud of everything that was achieved during this period,” Potts added.

Humphrey’s predecessor, David Nucifora, had made the Sevens programme a priority when he joined the Union in 2014 but the Union’s new strategic review has deemed it a non-starter.

Today’s decision comes one month after the announcement that, from August 2026, the four provinces will be responsible for 40% of the cost of men’s national player contracts.

Written by Ciarán Kennedy and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.