Ireland declare their hand ahead of Rugby World Cup campaign

Head coach Scott Bemand is preparing his players for the tournament in England.

PAWS, ENGAGE: Siobhán McCarthy, right, with her Sister Kate and their dog Scottie. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady

The die has been cast for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Confirmation on Monday morning of Ireland’s 32-strong squad means all 16 panels have been named and shared. Now for the hardest part: that last, slow stretch before it begins.

England’s hosts and the USA will get it all underway next Friday week when they meet in Pool A at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. For Ireland, the campaign kicks in two days later against Japan at Northampton’s Franklin’s Gardens.