The IRFU has confirmed that it is offering professional contracts for members of the Ireland women's 15s squad for the first time.
Union bosses are offering 43 centralised paid contracts - a figure that includes deals already in place for women's 7s squad members - with the highest wage believed to be around €30,000 per annum.
The offers come to light ahead of the upcoming two-Test tour to Japan, which takes place between August 20 and 27, and also with the appointment of Gillian McDarby has been appointed as Head of Women’s Performance and Pathways.