Linda Djougang: 'We're not going into this World Cup as underdogs'

Performances in recent years mean that Ireland will certainly be respected but the warm-up loss to a number-two ranked Canada in Belfast last Saturday was a reminder of the journey still to go before this squad reaches its full potential.

WORLD CUP: Debunking outdated ideas ahead of the World Cup: Rugby's Linda Djougang and Specsavers are busting common contact lens myths, encouraging more sportswomen to embrace the clear vision and comfort contact lenses provide, especially during high intensity play. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

The mindset that underpinned Irish sport and Irish sportspeople has changed. The underdog tag that this nation wore as a comfort zone on the biggest of stages has been cast to the side and the women’s rugby team will be no different in the coming weeks.

It’s less than four years since the national team failed to make the last World Cup, defeat to Spain and Scotland in a qualifying tournament in Parma consigning them to the role of onlookers from afar when the tournament kicked off in New Zealand a year later.