The Irish Rugby Football Union has appointed Lynne Cantwell, Ireland's record cap holder and Six Nations Grand Slam winner, as its new head of women's strategy.

Her appointment follows the IRFU outlining its determination to accelerate the development of women's rugby in Ireland in the strategic plan it launched in June.

Cantwell, who won 86 caps for Ireland and was vice-captain for the team's 2013 Grand Slam success, will take up the new position in January.

A Sport Ireland board member, Cantwell has been women's high performance manager for the South African Rugby Union for the past three years, a role she will continue in a "part-time advisory capacity" to "oversee a transition" of its leadership.

"I am excited about joining the IRFU at a time when there is much commitment and optimism around the women's game," said Cantwell, who also helped Ireland reach the 2014 World Cup semi-finals.

"Having started my own rugby career through the club and domestic game in Ireland, I am passionate about the journey for women and girls taking up and playing the sport and ensuring they experience a pathway from bottom to top that enables them to reach their full potential."

IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts said he believes Cantwell's appointment is a "major statement of intent" about the union's "collective ambition for women's rugby in Ireland".

"Lynne's leadership, both on and off the field, is exemplary and we are excited about the impact she will have in advancing women's rugby across Ireland and internationally in the coming years," said Potts.