Aim high.

The IRFU has laid out its objectives for the next five years (2018-2023) in a brand new strategic plan released this morning.

Included as part of the objectives is a Rugby World Cup semi-final or better in 2019 and 2023 – something no Irish team has ever done, having only ever reached the quarter final stages.

The Irish national team is also expected to win at least two Six Nations titles in the next five years, as well as being consistently ranked in the top three nations in the world.

“We’ve got to be ambitious,” said IRFU performance director David Nucifora.

“They’re our minimum benchmarks that we want to achieve, but we want to win everything.

“Every time we roll out, it’s about being the best we can be and winning it. So, we are going to aim to have those minimum benchmarks at World Cups but obviously we want to win them.

“We’re here to win things and that’s what we want to do. That’s what Joe, the staff and everyone is striving to achieve in Japan.”

On a provincial note, the IRFU’s expects two or more European titles, two or more Pro14 trophies, and for the four teams to be consistently reaching the knock-out stages of the European Cup over the next five years.

Headline Performance Targets

MEN
o Semi-finals or better at RWC19/RWC23
o 2 or more 6 Nations titles
o 2 or more European titles
o 2 or more PRO14 titles
o 7s qualification for 2020 Olympics
o 7s attain World Series status

WOMEN
o WRWC21 qualification & Top 6 finish
o One 6 Nations title (Top 3 otherwise)
o Qualification for 2020 Olympics 7s
o Qualification for 2022 7s World Cup
o Win two 7s World Series tournaments
o Consistent Top 6 finish 7s World Series
o Consistent Top 2 finish U18 Europe 7s

Headline Growth Targets

OVERALL
o 210,000 players
o 1,900 adult teams
o 90% of coaches accredited
o 95% of games officiated by branch refs
o 80% of clubs attaining “Green” Health Check status
o 60% of Clubs attaining “Green” Spirit Programme status

WOMEN
o 5,000 Adult players
o 300+ Women’s Girls teams
o 150 secondary schools
o 6,500 youth players
o 1,000 3rdlevel players
o 450 female coaches
o 80 female referees

The ambitious plan centres on three key areas.
o Delivering Performance:Producing winning teams
o Developing the Game:Delivering a vibrant club and school network
o Women in Rugby:Building a strong base to grow the women’s game