ADAM GRIGGS HAS called on World Rugby to look at the balance of the Women’s Six Nations as the Ireland head coach reflected on a disappointing campaign for his side.

Griggs saw his team finish fifth in the 2019 tournament with just one win and four defeats from their five matches, which was Ireland’s worst finish in 13 years. 

Ireland ended with an underwhelming 24-5 defeat to Wales in Cardiff, while England — whose players fully professional — dominated the championship to win a Grand Slam.

“England went and won the championship 80-0 [against Scotland] and I think that has got to be looked at through World Rugby more than just ourselves,” he said.

“This whole competition is very tough. Our players will now go back to club rugby in Ireland and that’s not the same level as the Tyrells Premiership and the French Championship.

“That’s where we struggle a little bit in terms of getting high-quality games week in, week out. Then you come into a tournament like the Six Nations where there is no easy game.

Asked how World Rugby or the Six Nations could ensure more of a level playing field between the fully professional and part-time women’s sides, Griggs added: “You tell me. I don’t have the answers. England have technically been fully professional since January and they’ll have a full year together before the next Six Nations comes around again. That’s a daunting process.

“We’ve got to keep battling, make sure we keep challenging each other in camp, and we need as many high-profile games as we can to learn.”

Against Wales, Ireland dominated the opening quarter and finally made their pressure count as teenage wing Beibhinn Parsons opened the scoring. After that, they failed to score a point.

Click Here: International football tracksuit