Women’s Six Nations 2025 Preview: Ireland

Ireland Women celebrating | photo taken from @irishrugby on instagram 

The Irish Women’s Rugby Football Union was established in 1991 and made their international debut two years later travelling to Scotland to play in front of 1,000 fans. Although the side does not have a specific nickname, the men’s rugby league side is nicknamed the “Wolfhounds”.

Team History

Since making their debut in the second tournament, the side have competed in every Rugby World Cup since 1994. For the Six Nations, they made their debut in the inaugural 1996 competition and played their first game against Scotland on 21st January 1996. 

Ireland have won the Six Nations on two occasions in 2015 and 2013, with the side also winning both the Triple Crown and the Grand Slam in that year too. In 2014, the side finished fourth in the World Cup with the country hosting it in 2017. 

Last year they improved their stats and finished in 3rd compared to their 6th place finish the year before. The side are currently 6th in the world rankings as of 24th February 2025 with England, Canada, New Zealand, France and Australia above them. 

In the Six Nations, they have been in 27 tournaments, behind England, Scotland and Wales (who have all featured in 29) as well as winning the tournament outright on two occasions.

They have won the Grand Slam once and Triple Crown twice but have won the wooden spoon five times. They have won seven honours overall including two Six Nations, one Grand Slam, two Triple Crown’s, one WXV3 and one Women’s European Championship Plate. 

Head Coach

Scott Bemand has taken charge of the squad since 2023 on a three-year-contract and was appointed by the Irish Rugby Football Union. Bemand is an ex-England Rugby Union player and used to play for Harlequins, Bath and Leicester Tigers.

Captain

For the Six Nations, Edel Mcmahon will be captain as her co-captain Sam Monaghan is ruled out due to injury. They both co-captained the team for last year's 2024 Six Nations campaign.

Fixtures

Ireland first face France on the 22nd March with the match kicking off at 1pm at the Kingspan Stadium. They then face Italy at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Italy on the 30th March at 3pm.

Ireland then host England at the Virgin Media Park in an important match on the 12th April at 4.45pm with Wales then hosting the side on 20th April at Rodney Parade with kick off at 3pm.

In their final match, the side will travel to Scotland for a kick off at 11.15am on the 26th April.