The Irish Women’s Rugby Team’s confident vibe after the draw for next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, which took place last night live on BBC1, was ‘Bring it on.’

World Champions New Zealand would generally be the top seed you’d want to avoid, but having beaten them in WXV1 this Autumn and with memories of a first win against them at this tournament in 2014, they looked a lot less daunting when the draw was made.

The largest global celebration of women’s rugby will take place on our doorstep in England next year between the 22nd of August and the 27th of September.

Japan and Spain will also be in Group C, and the match schedule will be published next Tuesday.

Ireland have faced all three sides in recent seasons having toured Japan in 2022, beaten Spain in the WXV3 decider in 2023 and recording that victory over New Zealand in the recent WXV1 tournament in Vancouver.

The fixtures will be revealed on Tuesday, 22 October, via the tournament website, so the countdown is well and truly on for fans planning their Women’s Rugby World Cup experience.

England, the hosts and current number-one team in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings, have been drawn against Australia, the USA, and Samoa in Pool A.

Pool B sees the world’s number two Canada set to face Scotland, Wales and Fiji.

Rugby World Cup 2021 bronze medalists France are drawn in Pool D alongside Italy, South Africa and Brazil.

“Really exciting, the group is quite familiar in terms of teams we’ve played in the last few years,” said Ireland Co-Captain Sam Monaghan from London.

“Japan have kicked on; they had a decent WXV recently, and Spain, which was a hard win for us last year, and of course, New Zealand – I’m buzzing to play them, and I’m sure they’ll be up for the rematch. I’m working harder than ever to be back in and ready.”

“Belief is massive. The group is so resilient. The hard work put in off the pitch showed in the three performances in the WXV. I think it’s really important that we stay connected so when we come back for Six Nations, we’re picking up where we left off.”

 

PUTTING IRISH WOMEN’S RUGBY FRONT AND CENTRE STAGE

Sport for Business and the IRFU hosted a session last month for commercial partners

on the positive momentum behind Women’s Rugby.

 

 

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