Just three days after announcing his first training squad for the Six Nations, Scott Bemand has appointed a new captain. Erin King takes over the role from co-captains Edel McMahon and Sam Monaghan. All three have suffered long-term injuries, which have handicapped the co-captains from exerting their authority as they might have wished. Both are
Hot on the heels of John Mitchell, Scott Bemand has revealed the 37 names of players to form Ireland’s first training squad. It is: Backs *Alana McInerney, Anna McGann; Aoibheann Reilly, Aoife Dalton, Beibhinn Parsons, *Caitriona Finn, Dannah O’Brien, Emily Lane, Enya Breen, Eve Higgins, Nancy McGillivray, *Niamh Gallagher, *Robyn O’Connor; Stacey Flood, Vicky Elmes
I doubt if any RWC has known events like this. After the France-Ireland match on Sunday not one, but two citings were entered by Ireland. Manae Feleu, co-captain of France, was accused of a dangerous tackle. But far more serious, Axelle Berthoumieu; the blind-side flanker, was accused of biting Aoife Wafer’s arm. A disciplinary committee
France v Ireland (quarter-final) From another match with an agonising finish I select a stat which occurred much earlier. I believe it determined the final score. On 39 minutes Manae Feleu was shown yellow for pulling a maul down. The Irish built that astonishing attack, but it came to nothing in the end. Back to
It’s excellent news that the IRFU has agreed to stage a women’s Six Nations game at the Aviva Stadium Dublin for the first time. They have chosen the Scotland fixture on Sunday 17 May 2026 (KO 14.00). They join Scotland in making their national stadium available for next season, adding more allure to the tournament.
New Zealand are going to win a seventh world trophy. That is what hundreds of Kiwi pundits are telling us, and the Black Ferns’ performance against the Irish (40-0) adds strength to their contention. But first the schedule: Saturday 13 September New Zealand v South Africa KO 13.00* Canada v Australia KO 16.00 Sunday 14
This was the pick of the day’s matches, a contest between the world champs and a nation ranked a proud fifth. It didn’t work out like that. Ireland started strongly, winning around 75% in the first ten minutes. But, like other losing sides on the day, they couldn’t maintain this dominance. For all the possession
You can take your pick of the most emotionally charged fixture of the coming weekend, but here’s my choice, Ireland v New Zealand. Allan Bunting had paid the Irish the highest compliment: none of Amy Rule, Kennedy Tukuafu, Maria Joseph, Ayesha Leti-I’Iga or Theresa Setefano find a place in the starting XV. He has given
Ireland v Japan All Irish fans knew their team had the beating of the Sakura. The worry was, could they be sure they’d maintain recent progress? Sam Monaghan was back, but Scott Bemand didn’t risk Aoife Wafer. The answer was a resounding yes. The Sakura; famed for their fast, disciplined approach, couldn’t withstand the all-round
The world knows – the Irish have come on in leaps and bounds in the past two years. The central question is whether they can overcome a series of injury doubts and setbacks to do themselves justice. (full list below) Their recent record at the RWC is none too promising. Their performance in their own
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