The 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations is just around the corner, and after a momentous 2024, expectations are high for Ireland. Scott Bemand’s squad finished 3rd last season, in an impressive bounceback from the season before where Ireland took home the wooden spoon.
This year, with the upcoming World Cup on the horizon, fans are excited for what promises to be a big year for Irish rugby, and we have compiled a list of the 8 players we are most excited to watch in the Championship.
Aoife Wafer
31 March 2024; Aoife Wafer of Ireland is tackled by Veronica Madia of Italy during the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the RDS Arena in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
You cannot talk about this Irish squad without talking about Aoife Wafer. A phenomenon last year in the back-row, the Wicklow native is a driving force in open play, and easily recognisable to the viewer in her bright red scrum cap.
Béibhinn Parsons
29 July 2024; Beibhinn Parsons of Team Ireland in action against Isabella Nasser of Team Australia during the Women's Rugby Sevens Pool B match between Team Ireland and Team Australia at the Stade de France during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. Photo by Hugo Pfeiffer/Sportsfile
Another gem who knows all about bursting onto the scene is the returning Béibhinn Parsons. Injuries last year at the Olympics and on the 7s circuit saw the Ballinasloe native miss a good chunk of playing time, but the speedster is back in the Ireland squad and ready to remind the world of her extraordinary talents.
Cliodhna Moloney
13 April 2024; Cliodhna Moloney of Ireland during the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Wales at Virgin Media Park in Cork. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Now one year on from her celebrated return from exile, but we cannot forget the Galway hooker with bags of quality. Cliodhna Moloney has fit in comfortably since her return to the fold making for a brilliant 1-2 punch with the next member of the list.
Neve Jones
31 March 2023; Neve Jones during the Ireland Women's Rugby captain's run at Musgrave Park in Cork. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
Neve Jones is a smiling assassin. Underneath a bubbly personality is a powerful front row forward who will tackle anything that moves. The form and fitness of this Gloucester club woman will be vital to Ireland’s chances.
Enya Breen
31 March 2024; Enya Breen of Ireland during the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the RDS Arena in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Moving back to the backline next for a Munster centre with experience, finesse and ability. Cork’s Enya Breen is a brilliant playmaking facilitator to Ireland’s midfield, while also offering an extra kicking option and robust carrying ability up field.
Erin King
29 July 2024; Erin King of Team Ireland during the Women's Rugby Sevens Pool B match between Team Ireland and Team Australia at the Stade de France during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. Photo by Hugo Pfeiffer/Sportsfile
Next on the list is last year’s World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, Erin King. A 7s convert, King brings a raw athletic profile to Ireland’s back-row, with a mix of both speed and power. The only way is up for King, who is just four caps into her Ireland career.
Linda Djougang
31 March 2024; Linda Djougang of Ireland during the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at the RDS Arena in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
From a less experienced star to Ireland’s most capped panel member, utility prop Linda Djougang is a focal point of everything Ireland do well. The Old Belvedere star has held her own for quite some time, and was in top form during Ireland’s WXV run last year.
Jane Clohessy
17 August 2024; Hannah O'Connor of Leinster in action against Jane Clohessy of Munster during the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship Round Two match between Munster and Leinster at Virgin Media Park in Cork. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
The final name on our list is familiar as it comes from rugby royalty. Munster flanker Jane Clohessy, daughter of legendary Peter Clohessy, is an AIL winner with UL Bohs and although she is still uncapped, Jane is of the same mould as King and Wafer in being a tough, all action back rower with bags of potential.
Ireland kick off their 2025 tournament at home to France on Saturday in Kingspan Ravenhill (live on Virgin Media One) knowing a win over Les Bleus would send Ireland on track to another top half finish. With an excellent coaching ticket and exciting talent in the squad, here’s hoping for a big year for the girls in green.
