Coghlan joy at World Cup boost

Changes to the way women’s rugby is planned and played in Ireland have given the national side a boost ahead of tomorrow’s Women’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales at the Talbot Athletic Ground.

The two best teams outside of England and France from this year’s tournament will qualify for the World Cup and Ireland’s captain Fiona Coghlan believes the way the women’s game has been structured here this year gives them an advantage.

“The main priority is World Cup qualification and that starts with Wales. Every year you want to go out and win the trophy but you have to concentrate on the Wales game. There’s younger girls coming through.

“They’ve been playing since they were younger and their skill base is better.

“The exiles are in as well and there was a focus on them.

“But with the way the season has been laid out, it started with club games, then the inter-pros followed by internationals, there were higher quality games before Christmas and that has us in good stead this year.”

Picture: Fiona Coghlan: Schedule has helped Irish to prepare.