Fresh calls have been made to end the "ludicrous" situation of amateurs playing against professionals in the Women's Six Nations after Ireland forward Aoife McDermott published a photo of her returning to work the day after facing reigning champions England.
McDermott, 31, packed down in the second row to face the Red Roses, the top ranked side in the world, on Sunday in the penultimate round of the tournament in front of 15,836 fans at Leicester's Welford Road. But less than 24 hours later, the research nurse was back at her day job for 8am on Monday morning. She posted a picture of herself on social media along with a "Back to it! caption, alongside sleeping face emojis.
It, along with England's 69-0 rout over Ireland, has led to the continued disparity in professional status for Women's Six Nations stars being thrust back into the limelight amid calls to level the playing field between teams. The dominant Red Roses were restricted to two tries in the first half thanks to Ireland's brave defence, but the hosts came out stronger after the break with another nine tries to claim a 22nd consecutive victory and set up a Grand Slam decider against France this Saturday. Simon Middleton's side are bidding to claim a fourth consecutive Six Nations title before October's World Cup in New Zealand.
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In stark contrast, England travelled to France on Monday to prepare for their Super Saturday finale, while Ireland's amateur players returned to their day jobs. It followed concerns that the disparity between the two teams on the weekend, particularly at scrum time, was actually dangerous in terms of player welfare.
It is no coincidence that England are the best team in the world having turned professional back in 2019 with full-time contracts. France are the only real title challengers in the tournament, with the team ranked third in the world being semi-professional for a number of years.
Wales have made efforts to close the gap following a winless Six Nations last year, introducing 12 full-time and 12 part-time contracts this year. Italy announced earlier this month that 25 squad players will be awarded part-time contracts, amateur Scotland have individual support packages and Ireland are also amateur. The IRFU has, however, said it will look at having contracts in place by next year's Six Nations but plans won't be finalised until a new head of women's performance and pathways is appointed.
England's most-capped rugby international Rochelle "Rocky" Clark has called for the "ludicrous" situation to end, saying: "Women playing an international then straight back to work is ludicrous. They have to go pro to evolve. Teams need to be full-time athletes to be the best they can be. IRFU, this is not OK, please get behind your women's team."
She said tighter, more competitive games would be much preferred than England obliterating their opposition. "It was never an even playing field," she said. "Ireland Women deserve the right to compete on an even playing field in the Women's Six Nations... I’d much rather be in a battle and just squeeze the victory rather than obliterate a team."
On the eve of the standalone Six Nations, Ireland head coach Greg McWilliams claimed his team were professional in all but name, saying: "For me, professionalism is Monday morning when it's dark outside and nobody's looking at what you're doing. You eat well, you're getting the right amount of sleep, you're in the gym, you're sticking to your plan, you understand your IDPs and you can improve as a player. I see ourselves as a professional group of players."
But, as Clark points out when she says "teams aren’t and won’t be able to compete with professional outfits, no amount of desire and passion can compete with it long-term", those measures do not compete with players whose job it is to perform on the rugby field.
BT Sport commentator Nick Mullins said: "And here’s the difference. While England fly to France to prepare for the final weekend, Ireland’s players are back at work. Hope it isn’t long before stories like Aoife’s become ancient history and everyone gets the support they deserve."
Ireland welcome Scotland in their finale on Super Saturday as England face France in a title decider, with Wales kicking off the day's action against Italy at noon at Cardiff Arms Park.
