How long does it take for a sports team to build genuine world-class capability? Those running the men’s Ireland football team might not want to hear that the answer lies not in months or seasons, but in decades of sustained investment and patient development. When resources are allocated to player pathways and the development of players, it takes years to bear fruit. While administrators and supporters want overnight success after investment, it simply doesn’t happen like that. Ireland’s women’s rugby journey shows this timeline. A team that won the Six Nations in 2013 and reached the 2014 World Cup semi-finals found themselves watching from home when the…

Want to continue reading?

Introductory offer: Sign up today and pay €200 for an annual membership, a saving of €50.

Subscribe

Cancel at any time.

Are you already a member? .