Women Rugby World Cup 2025 Tickets: Ireland’s preparations for their Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 opener against Japan have been clouded by injury concerns. But also strengthened by growing squad depth. Aoife Wafer, the dynamic 22-year-old back rower and reigning Women’s Six Nations Player of the Tournament. Underwent a medical procedure last month that sidelined her from Ireland’s warm-up fixtures against Scotland and Canada.

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Although selected in Scott Bemand’s World Cup squad. Wafer has remained in Dublin to continue her recovery and will not feature in the opening clash with Japan at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday. Competition rules mean the Irish Rugby Football Union had to notify World Rugby of Wafer’s delayed travel, since players cannot return home once the tournament begins. The plan is for her to link up with the squad next week ahead of Ireland’s second Pool C fixture.

It is against Spain on 31 August, before their marquee test against reigning world champions New Zealand on 7 September. Assistant coach Larissa Muldoon confirmed that Wafer is progressing well. And will be available later in the pool stages. In Wafer’s absence, Ireland will rely on other leaders in the back row. Co-captain Edel McMahon, who also missed the warm-ups, has returned to full training and is expected to play a key role against Japan.

Rising Talent Meets Veteran Leadership as Ireland Braces for Japan’s Challenge

Depth in the pack has been tested further with injuries to Dorothy Wall and Erin King, but Muldoon insists that new names have risen to the challenge. Players such as Claire Boles and Ivana Kiripati emerged through the under-20s pathway. They are bringing fresh energy and competition to the squad. For Wafer herself, the World Cup carries added significance. After making her mark in the Six Nations with four tries.

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She is set to join English club Harlequins from Leinster following the tournament. Her return later in the pool stages will be vital to Ireland’s hopes of advancing from a competitive group. Japan, meanwhile, arrives with a strong sense of belief. Led by veteran captain Iroha Nagata, preparing for her third Rugby World Cup. The Sakura Fifteen are determined to prove their progress on the global stage.

Every country has prepared thoroughly for the World Cup. Every match will be a challenge, Nagata said before the game. We have prepared in a way that gives us confidence. All that’s left now is to get good results. Ireland knows that Japan is a side full of energy, structure, and clever tactical play. Fly-half Nicole Fowley highlighted the need for sharp concentration. They’re a very good side, very tricky.

Ireland Target Strong Start as Japan Threatens Early Upset

They have a nice kicking game as well. So, we’ll just be switched on at all times. We’re just taking the tournament game by game. Focusing on Japan is the goal for this week. The match is set to be a test not only of Ireland’s resilience in the face of injuries but also of Japan’s ambition to break into the world’s top tier. Both sides view victory as essential for building momentum in Pool C. For Ireland, it is about starting strong despite setbacks.

It is about proving that their evolution can match Europe’s established powers. For Ireland, the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 represents both. A return to the global stage and a fresh opportunity to prove their progress after missing out in 2022. The build-up to their opener against Japan has been intense. With the coaching staff and players alike emphasising the need for a strong start.

Assistant coach Larissa Muldoon underlined the challenge posed by Japan, describing them. As a “fantastic, ball-focused team” that can threaten through clever kicking and opportunistic attacking play. Yet, her words carried an equally strong message. Ireland has prepared meticulously, but their focus is on itself and on delivering a performance that sets the tone for the rest of Pool C.

Costigan and McMahon Lead Ireland’s Charge in World Cup Return

Wing Amee-Leigh Costigan echoed this sentiment. Calling the opening fixture against Japan a “huge opportunity” to announce Ireland’s return to the biggest stage. After an eight-year absence from World Cup competition. She insisted the players are determined to start “on the right foot” and put in a statement performance. With Spain and reigning champions New Zealand awaiting later in the pool.

Costigan’s emphasis on the here and now reflects the squad’s approach to block out distractions and make Japan the absolute priority. Co-captain Edel McMahon, who missed Ireland’s warm-up games with a knee issue. It makes her return to the starting side in one of several key changes by head coach Scott Bemand. McMahon partners Brittany Hogan and Fiona Tuite in a dynamic back row, bringing leadership and defensive steel at a crucial time.

I was disappointed to sit out the warm-ups, McMahon admitted, but I wanted to be in the best possible condition for this game. I’m buzzing to finally get going.” Alongside her, fellow captain Sam Monaghan anchors the second row, further strengthening Ireland’s pack against Japan’s fast and mobile forwards. In the backline, Aoife Dalton and Eve Higgins form the midfield partnership. Offering both creativity and power.

Clash of Ambitions, Ireland’s Reset vs Japan’s Historic Quest

Costigan returns to the wing alongside Stacey Flood and the electric Beibhinn Parsons, whose try-scoring form in the warm-ups showcased her ability to change games in an instant. Half-backs Aoibheann Reilly and Dannah O’Brien continue their partnership, giving Ireland consistency in decision-making and tempo control. Bemand expressed confidence in his selection, stating: “We’ve picked a squad we feel can perform and deliver the result we want.

It’s about setting the tone in this first game. We’ve got threats across the board and plenty of impact to bring from the bench. Starting positively is absolutely crucial. On the other side, Japan arrived in England with quiet confidence, led by experienced captain Iroha Nagata. She is preparing for her third World Cup. The Sakura 15s are renowned for their skill, pace, and discipline, and Nagata insisted that her team “has prepared to be just as good as every other country.

Their ambition is clear, to reach a historic quarter-final. A target that has been openly declared by their staff as realistic and achievable. The clash between Ireland and Japan is more than just a pool-stage fixture. It is a test of resilience, preparation, and belief. Ireland is out to re-establish itself among the world’s elite. While Japan is determined to prove its rise is no longer a surprise, but the result of years of investment and development.

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