Stacey Flood inspired to take down English rugby 'celebrities'
Ireland's Stacey Flood at Aon Ireland HQ. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady
Ireland’s Stacey Flood is looking to tap into the momentum created by the country’s men’s and U20s teams when they get their own Six Nations underway against England’s new world champions in Twickenham next month.
The RFU is expecting over 60,000 fans for what will be their team’s first game since capturing the world title at the expense of Canada in the decider at the same venue six months ago, and Ireland will be expected to know their place.
John Mitchell’s side has won a world record 33 games in a row, and 63 of their last 64. The only one that got away in that time was the World Cup final against hosts New Zealand in 2022. They haven’t lost a Six Nations tie since 2018.
An Irish team has faced a similar challenge before. That was back in 2004 when Eddie O’Sullivan’s men’s side took down Clive Woodward’s world champions in what was their first game back in London since winning the Webb Ellis trophy.
The current women’s side can also point to a shock defeat of the then reigning world champions New Zealand when they overcame the Black Ferns in the WXV1 tournament in Canada two years ago.
But it is more recent history that has energised Flood, with Andy Farrell’s side recording a record 42-21 win in London last month, the night after their U20s counterparts took down another fancied English side, in Bath.
“What England have done for women's rugby is extraordinary,” said Flood. “Like, they are celebrities now, essentially, in England, the UK, and in rugby. They've upped the level of women's rugby and how it's viewed.
“They're at home after winning a World Cup. They're getting traction and numbers for Twickenham now, so hopefully we can put out a good performance that we're proud of on the day. And like, you'd never say never.
“You see what the men's team did to England in Twickenham. You see what the U20s did as well. We can take confidence from that because nobody's untouchable. Hopefully once we get into camp, build momentum towards that game and get a performance we're proud of.”
Ireland’s last game away to England, also at Twickenham, ended with an 88-10 loss in 2024. The last time England came second in the head-to-head was in Ashbourne in 2015. That’s not likely to change this time, but Ireland are clearly on the up.
Head coach Scott Bemand, in situ since 2023, has signed a new contract through to the next World Cup in Australia, and the Englishman admitted on Wednesday that it took him no time at all to sign on the dotted line.
“I'm really proud of the work that we've done in the last three years. The Irish players and public have embraced me coming over the water, and the sense of connection that I've got from coming in… This was my first head coach role.
“It's never going to be as simple or smooth as people think. We've had some chastening experiences in the three years, particularly at Twickenham the last time and losing a game in a quarter final that we could have, should have won. But we continue as a group.”
Unlucky to lose to France in a World Cup quarter-final last year, the focus now is on building greater depth into the squad, and that has been accelerated with the addition of nine uncapped players for the coming Championship.
Also included are new captain Erin King and second row Dorothy Wall, two key players who sat out the World Cup with injury. Unfortunately, former captain Edel McMahon is out for the season with knee trouble. Wing Amee-Leigh Costigan is expecting twins and on a break.
Those two aside, Ireland are missing another seven from that World Cup collective.
Claire Boles is injured while Ivana Kiripati misses out with a mix of injury and illness. Eimear Corri-Fallon and Nicole Fowley have both retired while Siobhan McCarthy, Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Meabh Deely were not picked.
Twickenham isn’t the only date to pencil in the calendar.
The senior and U20 sides will form a double header for a first women’s Six Nations game at Connacht’s Dexcom Stadium when they face Italy on April 18. A first standalone women’s match at the Aviva Stadium, against Scotland, will wrap things up on May 17.
Clermont will be the venue for their away game with France while the third home tie takes place at Belfast’s Affidea Stadium against Wales.
Jemima Adams Verling (Galwegians RFC/Connacht)*, Sophie Barrett (Enniskillen RFC/Cooke RFC/Ulster)*, Beth Buttimer (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)*, Eilís Cahill (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)*, Ruth Campbell (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster), Jane Clohessy (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster), Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster), Brittany Hogan (Sale Sharks/Ulster), Neve Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury), Erin King (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(captain), Aoibheann McGrath (Ballincollig RFC/Munster)*, Sadhbh McGrath (Cooke RFC/Ulster), Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Sam Monaghan (Gloucester-Hartpury/IQ Rugby), Grace Moore (Trailfinders Women/IQ Rugby), Niamh O’Dowd (Gloucester-Hartpury/Leinster), Ellena Perry (Gloucester-Hartpury/IQ Rugby), Ailish Quinn (Galwegians RFC/Connacht), Fiona Tuite (Old Belvedere RFC/Ulster)Aoife Wafer (Harlequins/Leinster), Dorothy Wall (Exeter Chiefs/Munster).
Alana McInerney (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)*, Anna McGann (Railway Union RFC/Connacht), Aoibheann Reilly (Blackrock College RFC/Connacht), Aoife Dalton (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster), Béibhinn Parsons (Blackrock College RFC/Connacht), Caitríona Finn (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)*, Dannah O’Brien (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster), Emily Lane (Blackrock College RFC/Munster), Enya Breen (Blackrock College RFC/Munster), Eve Higgins (Railway Union RFC/Leinster), Nancy McGillivray (Exeter Chiefs/IQ Rugby), Niamh Gallagher (Trailfinders Women/IQ Rugby)*, Robyn O’Connor (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)*, Stacey Flood (Railway Union RFC/Leinster), Vicky Elmes Kinlan (Wicklow RFC/Leinster).
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
