Ireland second row Sam Monaghan has thrown her full weight behind the push for an Irish club to join the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR), calling it a potential game-changer for the growth of the national team.

"It would be absolutely amazing," Monaghan told BBC Sport NI. "It's something we've always talked about among the girls who play in the Premiership—wouldn't it be incredible if there was an Irish team where we could all play together?"

The PWR, currently featuring nine English clubs, opened an expression of interest process in April for potential expansion teams. The Irish Rugby Football Union confirmed on Friday that they have officially expressed interest in joining, a move that could reshape the landscape of women's rugby in Ireland.

Monaghan, who signed for reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury in 2022, is one of 11 players in Ireland's Six Nations squad currently playing in the PWR. While Irish provinces like Munster, Connacht, Leinster, and Ulster compete in the Interpro league, and teams like the Clovers and Wolfhounds represent Ireland in the Celtic Challenge alongside Scottish and Welsh clubs, Monaghan believes a spot in the PWR would accelerate player development like never before.

"For where I was in my career, the Premiership was amazing for me," she said. "I built a life over there—I have a house and a job—and I'd love to come and play at home, but it's not feasible for me right now. The opportunity to do both would be incredible. Getting our players playing together more often would benefit us massively."

Monaghan also weighed in on the recent decision to introduce smaller size 4.5 balls for this autumn's WXV Global Series, which are about 3% smaller but the same weight as regulation size five balls. She made it clear she's not a fan of the change, noting that the current size five balls are "working well" in women's rugby and questioning the need for a shift.

For Irish rugby fans, the prospect of a home team in the PWR isn't just about convenience—it's about building a more competitive environment that could elevate the national team to new heights. As Monaghan put it, "It's something we've spoken about before, but to see it actually come to fruition would be amazing because it's so competitive."