Neil Treacy

RTÉ Sport Journalist

31 August 2025; Enya Breen, right, and Sadhbh McGrath of Ireland after 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

Ireland on track, but improvements needed v Black Ferns

Scott Bemand had every right to stress the positives after Ireland's 43-27 win against Spain yesterday, but the head coach will know that significant improvements will be needed if they're to secure top spot in Pool C.

Rugby • 01 Sep

31 August 2025; Ireland players, including Anna McGann, left, and Stacey Flood, centre, celebrate their second try scored by Amee Leigh Costigan, hidden, during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between Ireland and Spain at Franklin's Gardens

Bemand thrilled after Ireland secure early QF spot

Scott Bemand insists Ireland are right where they need to be at the Women's Rugby World Cup, after they secured their quarter-final spot with a game to spare following this afternoon's 43-27 win against Spain in Northampton.

Rugby • 31 Aug

31 August 2025; Linda Djougang of Ireland celebrates after team-mate Eve Higgins scored their third 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 Murphy/Spo

Ireland secure quarter-final place after win v Spain

Ireland scored seven tries in a 43-27 win over Spain as they moved into pole position to qualify for the Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.

Rugby • 31 Aug

24 August 2025; Ireland players stand for the playing of the national anthems 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

Preview: Ireland must keep eyes on prize against Spain

Scott Bemand did his best to deny it, but it's hard to shake the feeling that Ireland are coming into Sunday's Rugby World Cup Pool C game against Spain with one eye on next week against New Zealand.

Rugby • 31 Aug

24 August 2025; Aoife Dalton of Ireland is tackled by Ayasa Otsuka, left, and Sora Nishimura of Japan 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/Sport

Dalton: Ireland have grown since last Spanish meeting

The 2021 Rugby World Cup qualifier defeat to Spain has gone down in infamy, but the most recent meeting of the sides two years ago has quietly grown to be a significant day for this current Irish team.

Rugby • 30 Aug

9 August 2025; Linda Djougang of Ireland before the Women's Rugby World Cup warm-up match between Ireland and Canada at Affidea Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Djougang: Winning 50 caps for Ireland 'beyond a dream'

Linda Djougang says reaching 50 caps for Ireland is beyond her wildest dreams.

Rugby • 29 Aug

No complacency for Spain selection, insists Bemand

Scott Bemand has dismissed suggestions he has one eye on New Zealand ahead of Sunday's Rugby World Cup Pool C clash with Spain on Sunday.

Rugby • 29 Aug

24 August 2025; Cliodhna Moloney Macdonald of Ireland evades the tackle of Japan players Megumi Abe, left, and Minori Yamamoto during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between Ireland and Japan at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton, England. Ph

Bemand rotates as Ireland make seven changes for Spain

Scott Bemand has shuffled his deck ahead of Sunday's crucial Rugby World Cup Pool C meeting with Spain, after making seven changes to his side for the game at Franklin's Gardens.

Rugby • 29 Aug

Ireland's hooker Neve Jones celebrates after scoring the team's second try during the Women’s Rugby World Cup pool C match between Ireland and Japan at Franklin's Garden

Jones: Ireland savouring 'every moment' of RWC journey

Among the many great images from Ireland's opening Rugby World Cup win against Japan last Sunday, one of the more heart-warming moments was the sight of Dorothy Wall congratulating her team-mates in the changing room.

Rugby • 29 Aug

Aoibheann Reilly, Emily Lane and Molly Scuffil-McCabe

Reilly embracing the competition to be Ireland's No 9

There's no position in the Ireland women's rugby team as hotly contested right now as scrum-half.

Rugby • 29 Aug