Ireland Women Return to World Cup With A Performing Class A Game
Northampton, England – August 24, 2025
Ireland’s women rugby team returned to the World Cup featuring a commanding victory over Japan. The win showcased the precision, composure, and attacking flair the team has developed over the years, and reinforces the progress made under coach Bemand over the course of two years. The victory symbolizes the emergence of a rejuvenated squad.
The Journey to A World Cup
The Women’s 2021 World Cup elimination followed by a Six Nations wooden spoon, along with facility and condition concerns, put the Ireland women’s program into a retrospective phase. Under Bemand’s leadership, the program adopted a top-down approach to the burgeoning disparity. His vision, combined with focus on player development, has produced a team now capable of withstanding international competition.
Ireland’s campaign progressed with memorable victories against New Zealand and Australia under the Six Nations, but the true test remained: facing Japan in Northampton for their first World Cup challenge in 8 years.
“It was amazing, I’m so proud of each and every one of them,” remarked back row Dorothy Wall, who is currently injured.
“It’s probably one of the best performances we’ve ever put in as a team. From set-piece to how we managed the game, we executed well and I’m so proud of the entire squad,” said coach Bemand.
BBC Sport pundit and former Ireland forward Anna Caplice echoed the sentiment: “Japan aren’t to be messed around with. It was never going to be a gimme, so to put in a full 80-minute performance was brilliant for Ireland.”
Making the Most of Limited World Cup Experience
Remarkably, only one member of the squad, replacement hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, had previous World Cup experience. The 15 starters for the game were new to the occasion and notably absent were nerves.
Ireland opened the scoring emphatically. Amee-Leigh Costigan and Neve Jones each scored tries within the opening ten minutes, setting the tone for a speedy, skillful, and clinical attacking display. Parsons and Tuite added further scores before halftime, securing a bonus point and establishing a commanding lead.
Japan had a glimmer of hope early in the second half, but Ireland’s Eve Higgins dashed any comeback chances with a game-changing interception try. Enya Breen capped off the scoring, securing a comprehensive win.
Dannah O’Brien, the team’s 21-year-old fly-half, orchestrated Ireland’s efforts. Alongside younger players, O’Brien showcased a vital advantage for Ireland despite limited international experience.
Co-captain Edel McMahon remarked, “There was a nice cool, calm and collected energy this morning. For most of the squad, this was the first time attending a World Cup, except for one person, but it did not feel like it. The composure of the younger players is impressive. It is empowering to be within a space where the girls are ready to go.”
Struggling with Injury Issues
Key absences complicated Ireland’s preparations. Dorothy Wall and Erin King were unavailable. Aoife Wafer hoped to play but could not. Parsons had restricted playing time due to previous injuries, and co-captains McMahon and Sam Monaghan had long-term fitness issues. Despite these challenges, the squad’s depth, cohesion, and adaptability allowed them to compete at a high standard.
Caplice praised the squad’s resilience: “There was a lot of talk about the injuries and the people who missed the World Cup. But one to 23, one to 30, one to 40, which includes Doro, Erin and Aoife, they are here and performing like this. They have because of the girls who have been like ‘Forget that underdog status’.”
A Statement Performance
The execution of Ireland’s set pieces showcased the squad’s attacking flair, which had been overshadowed by limited World Cup experience. Early tries from Costigan and Jones, along with Parsons and Tuite before halftime, demonstrated precise and clinical finishing. Japan’s brief resurgence highlighted the importance of sustained focus, while Higgins’ interception try exemplified skill and mental resilience.
O’Brien’s management as fly-half, together with leadership from co-captains McMahon and Monaghan, provided a solid foundation for attacking threats to flourish. Ireland displayed remarkable control of the game’s tempo and dynamism throughout.
Looking Ahead: Spain Next
Ireland faces Spain in their second World Cup match, the same team that ended Ireland’s World Cup hopes in 2021. This provides an opportunity to rewrite history and move toward the quarter-finals.
The mix of youthful exuberance, seasoned experience, and steadfast resilience positions Ireland well for the knockout stages. McMahon noted: “It’s a journey, but to be able to put our best foot out there in the first game and showcase the work put in is just the beginning. The objective for now remains to keep on building, improving, and looking at one game at a time.”
The Wider Picture
Ireland’s return to the Women’s World Cup demonstrates the evolution of women’s rugby in Ireland. Despite injuries and setbacks, the team now competes consistently at the highest levels, showing resurgence on the global stage.
Former player Anna Caplice stated: “It’s incredible the level of change and the amount of improvement that has surfaced. The squad and results show they learn from failures and recover with tremendous self-belief.”
The victory over Japan marks a shift in mindset. A disciplined game plan, youthful energy, and solid execution showcase a squad that is prepared to compete among the best in the world.
What You Should Remember
- Stunning first match: Ireland bested Japan by over 40 points in their opening World Cup game.
- New generation shining: First-time World Cup participants like O’Brien and new starters performed with poise.
- Depth and resilience: Strong team culture ensured performance despite key injuries.
- Spain’s momentum: Next match offers opportunity to progress toward the quarter-finals.
- Irish women’s rugby resurgence: Marks a new era and ambition to compete on the global stage.
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