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.
