Ireland's 32-player team set to compete in the Rugby World Cup
The Irish Women's Rugby team has unveiled its 32-player squad for the upcoming 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, set to take place in England from 22 August. The team, co-captained by Edel McMahon and Sam Monaghan, features a blend of youth and experience, as well as a few returning players who have overcome significant injuries.
A Mix of Youth and Experience
Among the senior players in the Irish squad is Edel McMahon, one of the more experienced players in the team. Aoibheann Reilly, who has returned to full strength after two ACL injuries, is another seasoned player. Aoife Wafer, who was part of the 2024 World Rugby Dream Team, has also made a comeback after knee surgery and is included in the World Cup squad.
Rising Stars
Sadhbh McGrath, who has had a rapid rise to the senior international squad, and captained the Clovers against Byrthon Thunder, is one of the younger players in the squad. Beibhinn Parsons, who scored two tries against Canada in the warm-up game, is another promising talent.
Debutants and Returnees
Beth Buttimer is the only uncapped player on the squad. Molly Scuffil McCabe, who has played both Sevens and 15s, and is currently studying pre-veterinary medicine in Massey University, is another new face. Cliodhna Moloney MacDonald returned to the Irish team after a three-year exile, while recent debutants in the squad are Ivana Kiripati, Nancy McGillivray, and Ellena Perry.
The Forwards
The forwards named in the squad include Claire Boles, Ruth Campbell, Eimear Corri Fallon, Linda Djougang, Brittany Hogan, Neve Jones, Siobhán McCarthy, Sadhbh McGrath, Edel McMahon, Clíodhna Moloney MacDonald, Sam Monaghan, Grace Moore, Niamh O'Dowd, Ellena Perry, Fiona Tuite, and Aoife Wafer.
The Backs
While the exact list of backs is not fully detailed, the total backs count is 14. The team will be led by head coach Scott Bemand, assisted by Alex Codling, Denis Fogarty, Larissa Muldoon, James Scaysbrook, and Gareth Steenson.
The Tournament
The Ireland squad will compete in the tournament, beginning with a pool match against Japan on 24 August, followed by matches against Spain and New Zealand. The team will be looking to build on their success in the Six Nations, where they finished second behind England.
Notable Players
- Meabh Deely, a Geoscience graduate, was one of six Irish debutantes during the Japan Test Series in 2022.
- Niamh O'Dowd is nominated for Women's 15s Players' Player of the Year at the Rugby Player Ireland Awards.
- Amee-Leigh Costigan, the Irish record-holder for most tries in Sevens, scored a try against England in this year's Six Nations.
- Stacey Flood returned to the 15s set-up for the Six Nations after the Celtic Challenge Cup, and was one of the leading carriers and kickers for the Wolfhounds.
- Enya Breen captained Ireland during their successful WXV1 campaign.
- Nancy McGillivray, who played rugby in Hong Kong at eight years old, now plays for Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership.
- Eimear Corri Fallon balances her burgeoning rugby career with studying medicine.
- Amee-Leigh Costigan, who has been a consistent performer since Scott Bemand took the reins in 2023, is also a standout in the team.
- Nicole Fowley returned to the international set up in the WXV3 tournament in 2023, and scored 52 points in this year's Celtic Challenge.
- Sam Monaghan offers leadership and experience to the young Irish side, but was unlucky to miss out on this year's Six Nations due to injury.
- Ellena Perry is a late addition to the Irish squad, and qualifies for Ireland through her maternal grandfather. She has 11 caps for England, the last earned in November 2020.
- Neve Jones has been playing in the Premiership since 2022, and captained Ireland in their warm-up defeat to Canada.
- Ivana Kiripati got her first two senior caps in the recent World Cup warm-up games.
- Anna McGann scored a hat-trick of tries against Italy in the Six Nations.
- Fiona Tuite has amassed 17 caps with the senior Irish rugby team despite being unlucky with injuries.
- Aoife Wafer won the 2025 Six Nations Player of the Tournament.
- Linda Djougang is the most capped player on the Irish squad with 48, and was named Player of the Year at the 2025 Leinster Rugby awards.
- Aoife Dalton was named in the 2025 Six Nations Team of the Tournament.
- Eve Higgins has been involved in Irish rugby for a decade.
The 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup promises to be an exciting tournament, and the Irish team will be looking to make a strong impact. With a mix of youth and experience, as well as some returning players, the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
- The experienced Aoife Wafer, who was part of the 2024 World Rugby Dream Team, is back after knee surgery and will bring her skill to the sports field in the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.
- Sadhbh McGrath, a rising star who recently captained the Clovers against Byrthon Thunder, represents the youthful energy in the Irish Women's Rugby team for the upcoming sports event.
