Aoife Wafer & Edel McMahon Named in Ireland World Cup Squad as Ireland gear up for their Rugby World Cup campaign in England. The 32-player team will take on Japan, Spain, and reigning champions New Zealand in Pool C, starting 24 August. Wafer, the Six Nations Player of the Tournament, recently had knee surgery but has recovered in time to play. Co-captain McMahon also makes the cut, returning from a knee injury that kept her out of Ireland’s warm-up games.
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Big Names In – and One Big Miss
One notable absence is prop Christy Haney, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Her spot goes to Ellena Perry, who made her Ireland debut in the recent loss to Canada. Perry has 11 England caps but hasn’t played for the Red Roses since 2020. She qualifies for Ireland through her grandmother. Centre Nancy McGillivray also joins the squad after switching from England. Her father is Irish, and she made a dream debut earlier this month by scoring against Scotland. Flanker Ivana Kiripati is also in, but Deirbhile Nic a Bháird misses out.
Fresh Talent Ready to Shine
Munster hooker Beth Buttimer is the only uncapped player selected. She stood out in the U20 Summer Series and now has her chance at the highest level. Injuries have already sidelined forwards Erin King and Dorothy Wall, both of whom were hurt during the Six Nations. The final panel includes 18 forwards and 14 backs, showing a strong mix of strength and speed.
Determined to Make Their Mark
Head coach Scott Bemand says the squad has been able to prepare well since securing World Cup qualification in April 2024. “We’ve used the time to build depth and develop our ‘Green Wave’. Most of the squad have been together since June, and we’re excited to finally get started,” he said. McMahon, who shares captaincy duties with Sam Monaghan, says the team is hungry for success. “Missing the last World Cup lit a fire in all of us. Getting Ireland back on the world stage means everything. We’re ready to give it our all for our country.”
