Ireland centre Jenny Murphy has criticised the IRFU's decision to change the role of head coach from a full-time position to a six month part time role.
Irish Rugby invited applications to replace Tom Tierney on Tuesday, but noted that the role would be performed on a part time basis.
Tierney left his role after their disastrous World Cup campaign, but the job spec he agreed was a full-time three year contract.
Murphy has branded their decision to offer only a six-month contract to the next head coach as a "kick in the teeth".
Murphy has described downgrading the role to a short term part time contract as "5-steps backwards".
A kick in the teeth for players. So much progress made by other nations and we take 5 steps backwards. https://t.co/vQIGZmRcTP
— Jenny Murphy (@jennymurphy045) October 17, 2017
Absolutely gutted myself. The training and effort all the girls make and we get a 'casual' coach. Disheartening.
— Jenny Murphy (@jennymurphy045) October 17, 2017
The duties and responsibilities that come with the job are not changing and the role will involve the co-ordination of the national XVs programme for all training camps, tournament assemblies and tours through the 2018 Women's Six Nations Championship.
The IRFU are looking for someone with an excellent understanding of rugby, elite coaching experience, someone to set and maintain the highest of standards and a proactive ability to work unsupervised.
Tierney called quits after Ireland's dismal showing at World Cup which saw the tournament hosts finish eighth.
"Absolutely gutted myself," Murphy said on a tweet in response to news that the nature of the role of head coach was changing.
"The training and effort all the girls make and we get a 'casual' coach.
"Disheartening."
Murphy went on to describe the decision as a "kick in the teeth for players".
"So much progress made by other nations and we take 5 steps backwards."
