Neil Treacy

RTÉ Sport Journalist

7 September 2025; Ireland players, from left, Edel McMahon, Sam Monaghan and Niamh O'Dowd stand for the national anthems before the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between New Zealand and Ireland at Brighton and Hove Community Stadium in Falmer,

Monaghan: 'We're doing everything in our power to win'

Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan says her side will do "everything in our power" when they take on France in Sunday's Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Exeter.

Rugby • 08 Sep 25

7 September 2025; Ireland players, from left, Sadhbh McGrath, Ruth Campbell, Grace Moore, Aoife Dalton and Anna McGann after the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between New Zealand and Ireland at Brighton and Hove Community Stadium in Falmer, En

Bemand backs Ireland to recover from NZ hammering

Scott Bemand doesn't believe Ireland's heavy defeat to New Zealand will have a damaging effect on his side for next week's Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France.

Rugby • 08 Sep 25

New Zealand's wing Braxton Sorensen-McGee scores the team's third try during the Women’s Rugby World Cup pool C match between New Zealand and Ireland at Yo

New Zealand show no mercy against Ireland to top Pool C

There was no repeat of Ireland's famous win against New Zealand from 12 months ago, as the Black Ferns looked ruthless in gaining revenge for last year's WXV shock.

Rugby • 11 Sep 25

31 August 2025; Ireland players huddle 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

Can Ireland create their own 'Miracle of Brighton'?

It's not far off ten years to the day since the 'Miracle of Brighton'. What are the chances we get another game for the ages this afternoon?

Rugby • 07 Sep 25

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 25

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 25

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 25

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 25

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 25

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 25