Ireland takes a leap forward with Wafer earning a spot on the Women's Rugby World Cup roster
Ireland's Aoife Wafer to Make Comeback in 2025 Rugby World Cup
Aoife Wafer, the star player of the Irish women's rugby team, has been selected for the 2025 Rugby World Cup, despite recently undergoing knee surgery in July. Wafer, who was named the 2025 Six Nations Player of the Championship, is a crucial back row player for Ireland and her inclusion in the squad is a strategic gamble by the coaching staff.
Wafer's injury history has been a concern, with her missing the two warm-up games against Scotland and Canada. However, the coaching team is quite confident that she will be fit to play some part in the tournament, albeit not early in the campaign. Her recovery progress is being monitored on a week-by-week basis.
Wafer's role in the squad is pivotal. She has dramatically improved Ireland’s pack over the past year with her dynamic play and was named player of the tournament in the Six Nations. While Dorothy Wall and Erin King, who are also key forwards, are missing due to injuries, Ireland clearly wants Wafer's impact at some stage during their pool games.
Ireland's Pool C games in the World Cup are against Japan (opening August 24), Spain, and the reigning champions New Zealand. The coaching team will likely manage Wafer's return carefully to maximize her availability for these important fixtures, balancing the risk of rushing recovery versus her potential influence on the team's competitiveness in this tough group.
The Irish squad consists of 32 players, with several having limited international experience. Among them is Beth Buttimer, a hooker, who has been selected for Ireland and is uncapped. Nancy McGillivray, another selected player, debuted for Ireland after qualifying through her Irish-born father. Co-captain Monaghan expresses high energy and hope within the team, citing the missed opportunity of the last World Cup.
Edel McMahon, co-captain of the Irish squad, is also part of the 32-strong squad for the World Cup. Ivana Kiripati, a forward with two caps for Ireland, and Ellena Perry, who has one cap for Ireland and has played for England in the past, have also been selected. Perry satisfies World Rugby's stand down rules for switching nations.
The 2025 Rugby World Cup is an expanded 16 team competition, with teams playing in a round-robin format. Ireland is ranked fifth in the world, Japan is ranked 11th, and Spain is ranked 13th, while defending champions New Zealand are ranked third. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockout stage. Ireland hopes to secure a knockout position in Pool C, with New Zealand being the favorites to top the pool.
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Sports enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating Aoife Wafer's return to the pitch in the 2025 Rugby World Cup, following her selection for the Irish women's team despite her recent knee surgery. Ireland hopes that Wafer's dynamic play and pivotal role in their pack will boost their competitiveness in Pool C, where they face Japan, Spain, and the reigning champions New Zealand.
