BEMAND: UNITED FRONT HELPING WOMEN'S GAME

IF SCOTT Bemand is to have a legacy from his time as Ireland Women's Coach, it will have been for knocking IRFU heads together and convincing them that TWO is better than one.

- DEREK FOLEY

That is breaking down the barrier between the full-time and highly-regarded worldwide Ireland Sevens programme and the Ireland Fifteens international side which had descended to cringing Six Nations embarrassment.

Bemand's Ireland finished third in the 2024 Six Nations, very much a best of the rest position, albeit they rode a lot of luck to do so; this year there is evidence they are the best of the rest and are closing in on England and France.

Seven and Fifteens have proved the adage, together we are stronger, and while Emma Bunton wasn't Sporty Spice (she was 'Baby', Mel C was 'Sporty) the question a red-faced IRFU should be in the dock over is surely similar to her No.1 smash hit 'What took you so long?'.