What a difference a year can make. In 2023’s WXV competition held in Dubai, Ireland faced Kazakhstan, Columbia and Spain. That gave Scott Bemand his first wins, first trophy and confidence. Once the calendar turned to 2024, the upward trajectory took a major shift. Wales, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand slayed by a big green flame. Some wins were convincing, others were nip and tuck; but confidence is one hell of a drug. That and proper resources, of course.
Incredibly, Ireland are now up to sixth in the world rankings. This evening they learned they'll be facing New Zealand, Spain and Japan at next year's World Cup.
That's the #RWC2025Draw complete
Who are you most excited to see?#RWC2025 | #ThisEnergyNeverStops pic.twitter.com/Mu9n5rKtOb— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 17, 2024
With kickoff of the 2025 World Cup just eleven months away, the sky's the limit for this wonderful team, led by an English coaching legend returning to where he learnt all he knows.
Although the players deserve utmost credit, which we will get on to in a bit; Scott Bemand is the coach at the forefront of this rejuvenation. The former England attack coach won six straight Six Nations titles with the Red Roses before taking the Ireland job, most definitely his toughest project yet. His CV spoke for itself at the time of the appointment, and now is only growing further.
On the field, his philosophy is noticeable. Kick at volume and for territory, strong through contact, fluid attacking rugby based on a skillful midfield axis and punchy carrying forwards. However it is off the field that his footprint becomes even larger. The belief instilled in the squad pales in comparison to the forlorn look of recent years. Winning is a habit, and a kick; but turning a corner at speed like they have, is only down to a feel good factor. It’s a happy camp and knew they had this streak in them since before any of us knew it was possible, and that is largely down to the head coach.
Bemand’s selection decisions have also helped Ireland, uncovering some untapped gems. Back row forward Aoife Wafer is one such success story. The Wexford star scored two tries in the win over the Black Ferns, bringing her tally this season to six; and is fast emerging as one of the brightest stars in the global game. Fellow youngsters Erin King, Dannah O’Brien and Aoife Dalton, have also progressed into starters in green, building on the confidence and backing instilled by Bemand and his coaching staff.
There is an elephant in the room with regards to women’s rugby in Ireland, and that is the underdevelopment of the game that was uncovered across 2021 to 2023. From a high-profile sexism controversy to a seeming reluctance to embrace professionalism, the IRFU was forced to confront serious questions about its commitment to women's rugby. However, slowly but surely, they have broken down the barriers they themselves placed in front of our women’s teams. The financial investment dominates discourse - for being delayed and imperfect - but since the introduction of hybrid contracts, results and performances have skyrocketed. These players are training together more often and it is translating to results. Add in the soaring IP in the coaching group and the wonderful talent pool of athletes at our disposal, and you can see why such a sharp rise has taken place.
Soon the backdrop of 2025 will become real. The Six Nations will give them another chance for growth, and some finetuning, before the World Cup comes over the horizon. Next year’s edition will be the first 16 team competition, up from 12, and having qualified in advance, all roads lead to our eastern neighbours.
Thursday's draw was a minefield, and it was confirmed Thursday that Ireland will again meet New Zealand in next year's competition. The Black Ferns will relish a chance to avenge this month's defeat, but Ireland will be ready for battle.
Our Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool Draw has been confirmed! ✅#IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/LI45DjjvTA
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 17, 2024
Regardless, the aim will remain the same: quarter-finals at a minimum. Considering where this team was in 2022, when they failed to qualify for the tournament, desires have changed rapidly.
All roads lead to England, as an Ireland team led by another beloved English coach look to make a name for this era, like their heroes did a decade prior.
