Former Ireland captain and Dungarvan native Niamh Briggs has been appointed as Munster Women’s Pathway Manager in one of four new leadership roles announced by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

The appointments form part of a new national structure aimed at strengthening the women’s game and creating clearer development pathways for players across all four provinces.

Briggs will oversee the development of female players aged between 16 and 23 throughout Munster, working closely with clubs, schools, coaches and provincial staff to help young talent progress into the elite game.

The former international enjoyed an outstanding playing career, earning more than 60 caps for Ireland and captaining the national side to the Women’s Six Nations title in 2015. She also represented Ireland at two Rugby World Cups and was part of the historic team that secured the country’s first-ever Women’s Grand Slam in 2013.

A product of Dungarvan Rugby Club, Briggs also enjoyed considerable success with Munster and has built an impressive coaching career since retiring from international rugby. She has held a number of roles within the Irish Rugby pathway, most recently serving as head coach of the Ireland Women’s Under-21 side.

Speaking following her appointment, Briggs said she is excited to begin the role and to help build on the progress already being made in women’s rugby across the province.

She said she is looking forward to working alongside clubs, schools and volunteers to provide more opportunities for young players and to strengthen the pathway from grassroots rugby through to the professional and international game.

Briggs’ appointment is one of four key provincial leadership positions confirmed by the IRFU as it continues to invest in the future of women’s rugby in Ireland. The governing body says the new structure is designed to provide greater alignment across the country while supporting player development from youth level through to the senior international game.

The Dungarvan native is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest women’s rugby players and now takes on a key role in shaping the next generation of Munster talent.