Bemand names Monaghan and McMahon as Ireland co-captains for WXV3

Bemand - officially introduced as the new Irish coach at a press briefing - announced the former Wasps teammates as his leadership group ahead of their trip to Dubai next month.

Thu, 28 Sep, 2023 - 09:54

Examiner Staff

Newly-installed Ireland women's head coach Scott Bemand has named Sam Monaghan and Edel McMahon as his co-captains for the upcoming Women's XV3 campaign.

Bemand - officially introduced as the new Irish coach at a press briefing - announced the former Wasps teammates as his leadership group ahead of their trip to Dubai next month.

On the announcement, McMahon said: "I am extremely honoured to have been asked by Scott to captain this team alongside my friend and teammate Sam. I feel very proud to represent my country and I am privileged to help lead this group in the WXV3."

Monaghan added: "It is such a privilege and honour to captain my country and to do it alongside Edel makes it really special. We have a really clear goal and some good momentum over the past two weeks with the direction we are heading both off and off the pitch. We can’t wait to get to Dubai."

Bemand also outlined that the 3-year aim is to qualify for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England but that the longer-term aspiration is to be a contender for the 2029 tournament in Australia.

Menawhile, addressing the issue of a disappointing Six Nations campaign in 2023, head of women’s performance and pathways, Gillian McDarby confirmed a leadership and culture review had taken place with programmes now in place to drive and sustain high performance.

To facilitate this a Culture & Leadership lead, Sean Ryan, had been appointed to work with the team.

Ryan had been involved with Munster rugby last season.

Ireland travel to Dubai on October 6th and play in the WXV3: