A proposal to achieve 40 per cent female representation on the Irish Rugby Football Union committee has been endorsed at the governing body’s annual council meeting.
The council has agreed the necessary amendments to IRFU laws to enable the target to be achieved by the end of the year.
IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts hailed the news as an “important milestone in our history”.
“The IRFU is committed to meeting the 40 per cent gender balance target by the end of this year and today’s decision by council will allow us achieve this,” he said in a statement.
“We have engaged and consulted with our stakeholders on the changes required and I welcome council’s unanimous support.
“This is an important milestone in our history and one which will pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in Irish Rugby.”
Meanwhile, Greg Barrett has been elected the 134th president of the IRFU.
Cork-born Barrett, who has been a Munster delegate on the IRFU committee since 2013, replaces John Robinson in the role.
