The announcement of the 35-player squad by head coach Scott Bemand has generated a buzz among fans as they build on the momentum gained from their 2024 Guinness Women's Six Nations campaign.
Several members of Ireland' Women's Summer Series squad - including MVP Sophie Barrett - could be in line for their first senior cap.
Reflecting on the 2024 Championship
This year's campaign was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the team showing remarkable resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Although they faced tough competition, particularly from traditional powerhouses England and France, Ireland managed to secure vital victories against Scotland and Italy, which ultimately paved the way for their qualification for the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Finishing third in the final standings was a highly commendable achievement.
The campaign was not without its challenges, as Ireland had to contend with injuries to key players and the integration of new talents into the squad. However, under Bemand's guidance, the team put in displays that bodes well for the future. Standout performances from players like Dorothy Wall and Neve Jones, combined with the leadership of Sam Monaghan (unavailable due to injury) and Edel McMahon, were instrumental in Ireland's qualification for the World Cup, setting the stage for a brighter future in Irish women's rugby.
A Strong Squad for Australia and WXV1
The squad named for the upcoming Test against Australia and the WXV1 competition reflects Bemand's commitment to developing a well-rounded team capable of competing at the highest level.
Notably, Bemand has retained the core group that served him well in the Guinness Women's Six Nations, while also introducing fresh faces who have impressed in the All-Ireland League and other domestic competitions. This blend of experience and new talent, including a number of players like Chisom Ugwueru who featured in this year's Women's Summer Series in Italy, is crucial as Ireland looks to build depth and versatility in their squad ahead of the 2025 World Cup.
The Test match against Australia in Belfast will serve as an important litmus test for them, providing an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and build cohesion before heading to Vancouver for the WXV 1. Australia, known for their physicality and flair, will offer a stern challenge, but Ireland's home advantage and the passionate support of the Belfast crowd could be decisive factors.
WXV1: A New Frontier in Women's Rugby
The WXV 1 competition in Vancouver represents a new chapter in women's rugby, bringing together the top teams from around the world in a high-stakes tournament. The competition is structured to provide more regular and competitive matches for the world's best teams, with three tiers - WXV1, WXV2, and WXV3 - ensuring that nations compete against similarly-ranked opponents.
For Ireland, participating in WXV1 is not just about testing themselves against the best but also about gaining valuable experience and exposure on the global stage. The tournament will feature teams like the United States, Canada and New Zealand, offering Ireland the chance to measure themselves against the elite of women's rugby. This experience will be invaluable as they continue their preparations for next year's Guinness Women's Six Nations and World Cup.
Bemand has emphasised the importance of WXV1 in the development of Irish women's rugby, noting that the competition will allow the team to test new combinations, refine their game plan, and build confidence against world-class opposition. The tournament also offers a platform for players to stake their claim for a spot in the Championship and World Cup squads, adding an extra layer of intensity and competition within the team.
Ireland Women’s XVs Squad:
(Club/Province/Caps)
Forwards (19):
Sophie Barrett (Railway Union RFC/Ulster)*, Ruth Campbell (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)*, Sarah Delaney (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)(3), Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(37), Christy Haney (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)(18), Brittany Hogan (Old Belvedere RFC/Ulster)(23), Shannon Ikahihifo (Ealing Trailfinders/IQ Rugby)(3), Neve Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury)(26), Erin King (Old Belvedere RFC)*, Siobhán McCarthy (Worcester Warriors/Munster)*, Edel McMahon (Exeter Chiefs/Connacht)(28), Clíodhna Moloney (Exeter Chiefs)(34), Grace Moore (Ealing Trailfinders/IQ Rugby)(15), Deirbhile Nic a Bháird (Old Belvedere RFC/Munster)(9), Niamh O’Dowd (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(7), Andrea Stock (Ealing Trailfinders/IQ Rugby)*, Fiona Tuite (Old Belvedere RFC/Ulster)(6), Aoife Wafer (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)(7), Dorothy Wall (Exeter Chiefs/Munster)(28)
Backs (16):
Enya Breen (Blackrock College RFC/Munster)(21), Aoife Dalton (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(14),, Méabh Deely (Blackrock College RFC/Connacht)(13), Stacey Flood (Railway Union RFC)(10), Nicole Fowley (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)(12), Katie Heffernan (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)*, Eve Higgins (Railway Union RFC)(17), Emily Lane (Blackrock College RFC)(6), Anna McGann (Railway Union RFC)(6), Alana McInerney (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)*, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe (Railway Union RFC/Munster)(9), Dannah O’Brien (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(15), Robyn O’Connor (Wexford Wanderers RFC/Leinster)*, Molly Scuffil-McCabe (Leinster)(16), Chisom Ugwueru (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)*, Katie Whelan (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)*
Training Panellists (6):
Claire Boles (Railway Union RFC/Ulster)(3), Hannah Clarke (Tuam/Oughterard RFC/Connacht)*, Jane Clohessy (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)*, Caitríona Finn (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)*, Vicky Elmes Kinlan (Wicklow RFC)*, Faith Oviawe (Railway Union RFC/Connacht)*
* denotes uncapped player
Ireland Women’s XVs – Fixtures:
Saturday, 14 September: Ireland v Australia, Kingspan Stadium, 2.30pm
WXV1:
Monday, 30 September: Ireland v New Zealand, BC Place, 3am Irish time
Saturday, 5 October: Ireland v Canada, Langley Events Centre, 11.45pm Irish time
Friday, 11 October: Ireland v USA, BC Place, 8.30pm Irish time.
