Dannah O'Brien Content with Current Situation, No Intention of Representing England
Ireland's Dannah O'Brien Set to Lead Women's Rugby World Cup Charge
Dannah O'Brien, the 21-year-old out-half from Old Belvedere and Leinster, has emerged as a key figure in the Ireland women's rugby team. Making her senior debut in 2022, O'Brien has quickly become the first-choice number 10 for Ireland, renowned for her tactical play, distribution skills, and strong kicking ability.
O'Brien, standing at 173 cm tall and weighing 75 kg, has started 22 of Ireland's last 25 games and is viewed as a leader within the squad at a very young age. Her influence on the game is highlighted by Ireland's kicking coach, Gareth Steenson, who praises her tactical kicking and confidence.
The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup in England will be O'Brien's first major tournament, and she is expected to make her 27th cap in Ireland's opening World Cup match against Japan, marking a full-circle moment from her debut match against the same team.
Ireland has managed consecutive third-place finishes in the Six Nations and claimed the WXV3 title two years ago. O'Brien's leadership will be crucial as the team aims to excel in the World Cup, with their first game against Japan on Sunday week. The Ireland rugby squad has already arrived in England for the tournament.
Notably, Aoife Wafer, a star flanker for Ireland, will join Harlequins after the World Cup, while several younger and returning players have been integrated into the squad for pre-season. However, Ireland will be without influential injured forwards Erin King and Dorothy Wall.
Other Irish players plying their trade in the English league include Sam Monaghan, Neve Jones, and Ellena Perry at Gloucester-Hartpury, Edel McMahon, Cliódhna Moloney MacDonald, and Nancy McGillivray at Exeter, and Grace Moore at London-based Trailfinders.
As the team prepares for the World Cup, O'Brien emphasizes the importance of taking each game as it comes, starting with Japan. The focus is on working as a team, regardless of players' tenure, as Ireland looks to make its mark in the tournament.
[1] Rugby World Cup 2025: Ireland's Dannah O'Brien set for World Cup debut [2] Dannah O'Brien: The young out-half leading Ireland's charge [3] Dannah O'Brien: Ireland's rising star [4] Gareth Steenson: Dannah O'Brien is a game-changer for Ireland [5] Rugby World Cup 2025: Ireland squad
[1] Dannah O'Brien is anticipated to make her mark in the football field as she steps into the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, where she is expected to play her first major tournament with Ireland.[2] As the Ireland rugby team ready themselves for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, Dannah O'Brien, the talented out-half, showcases her skills in footy, promising an exciting tournament ahead.
