THE IRFU IS casting a talent searching net [similar to the one that found Rob Kearney catching flying fish in the Cooley Peninsula] and are looking for female rugby players.

The union is on the hunt for players that may have what it takes to be included in the Ireland women’s team that will compete in the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow.

Ireland are hoping to qualify for Rio 2016 and the World Cup is a vital stepping stone towards their Olympic dream.

The IRFU is holding talent identification screening days, during February and March, in a bid to recruit high achieving female athletes for the Women’s High Performance Rugby Squad, with a focus on sevens rugby.

Women’s Sevens captain Claire Molloy believes 2013 is ‘a massive year’ for the country if it hopes to compete for medals in Brazil in 2016.

She said, “Although it is early days for the women’s sevens programme, I have pushed my fitness and skills to another level playing a sport I love whilst creating the opportunity for me to travel the world.”

IRFU director of rugby development, Scott Walker said: “Becoming an Ireland player is one of the hardest journeys that sport has to offer, but with Moscow 2013 and Rio 2016 on the horizon the opportunities are immense.

“We are looking for sports women who possess the right characteristics to take up the challenge, and aspire to international success.”

Ireland are currently outside the top 10 in the sevens world rankings but pushed England close in last season’s Six Nations.

For more on the talent I.D days click here>>