Neil Treacy

RTÉ Sport Journalist

EXETER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: New Zealand's Jorja Miller scores a try during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between New Zealand and Japan at Sandy Park on August 31, 2025 in Exeter, England. (Photo by Bob Bradford - CameraSport via Getty Ima

Ireland have to deal with 'hybrid athlete' Miller

Ireland will have to keep a close eye on Jorja Miller against New Zealand, one of the brightest talents in women's rugby.

Rugby • 07 Sep

24 August 2025; Ireland co-captains Sam Monaghan and Edel McMahon line up before the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between Ireland and Japan at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Monaghan proud ahead of Brighton homecoming v NZ

She was born in New York, raised in Meath and plays her rugby in Gloucester, but this week in Brighton has been a homecoming for Sam Monaghan.

Rugby • 06 Sep

24 August 2025; Stacey Flood of Ireland during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between Ireland and Japan at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Flood banking on Olympic experience ahead of NZ rematch

Between the strong Irish support expected to travel to Brighton, and the likelihood of neutrals siding with the underdog, the majority of Sunday's bumper crowd will probably be surfing the green wave.

Rugby • 06 Sep

20 April 2025; Aoife Wafer of Ireland in action against Jenni Scoble of Wales during the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Wales and Ireland at Rodney Parade in Newport, Wales. Photo by Kian Abdullah/Sportsfile

Bemand 'confident' Wafer will be fit for quarter-final

Scott Bemand says Aoife Wafer remains on track to be fit for next weekend's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against either France or South Africa, but Sunday's Pool C decider against New Zealand has come too soon for the back row.

Rugby • 05 Sep

31 August 2025; Aoife Wafer of Ireland before the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between Ireland and Spain at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Updated Monaghan fit for Black Ferns game but Wafer remains out

Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan has been passed fit for Sunday's Women's Rugby World Cup clash against New Zealand, but Aoife Wafer remains sidelined.

Rugby • 05 Sep

31 August 2025; Ireland head coach Scott Bemand before the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between Ireland and Spain at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Bemand has to weigh up risk and rewards of selection

Scott Bemand has come big calls to make in his team to take on New Zealand this Sunday.

Rugby • 04 Sep

31 August 2025; Eimear Corri-Fallon of Ireland warms up before the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between Ireland and Spain at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Corri-Fallon: 'These are days we've all trained for'

Having missed out on Ireland's famous win against New Zealand a year ago, Eimear Corri-Fallon is hoping to make up for lost time in Brighton this weekend.

Rugby • 05 Sep

31 August 2025; Anna McGann of Ireland celebrate with team-mate Emily Lane, right, after scoring their seventh try during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between Ireland and Spain at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton, England. Photo by Harry

Ireland must move up a gear for next phase of World Cup

At the time of writing, there are some tickets left on general sale for Ireland against New Zealand on Sunday in Brighton, but it's dozens rather than hundreds or even thousands.

Rugby • 04 Sep

24 August 2025; Brittany Hogan of Ireland during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between Ireland and Japan at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Hogan ready to 'go to the well' against Black Ferns

Last year's win against New Zealand took more out of Brittany Hogan than she had ever experienced in her rugby career. If Ireland are to pull off a repeat of last year's epic win this weekend, she knows it will take even more.

Rugby • 04 Sep

Wafer 'in contention' for return but Ireland cautious

Denis Fogarty says Aoife Wafer is "bursting to go" for her first appearance at the Rugby World Cup, but that the back row will only feature against New Zealand if she's ready.

Rugby • 03 Sep