Ireland held their first full training session just outside Northampton today but injured back row Aoife Wafer is continuing her rehab in Dublin.
The 22-year-old flanker underwent knee surgery just over a month ago and has been ruled out of Ireland's opening World Cup game, against Japan on Sunday, with Spain on Sunday week also seen as a stretch.
It is more likely that the Wexford woman, the 2025 Six Nations player of the tournament, may return for the third Pool C game against New Zealand on 7 September.
"Aoife Wafer stayed at home just to work on a few bits of rehab," assistant coach Larissa Muldoon told RTÉ Sport.
"She will join us next week in preparation looking into Spain."
The IRFU also confirmed that it had to inform World Rugby that Wafer would not travel with the squad due to a stipulation that means players cannot return home during the tournament window for injuries as it would be unfair on teams travelling longer distances.
Co-captain Edel McMahon, who missed the two friendly games against Scotland and Canada with a knee injury, trained with the squad at Towcestrians Rugby Club but the back row warmed up separately.
"Edel's good, came through training today," added Muldoon, who played at the 2014 and 2017 World Cup with Ireland.
"She's a massive personality back in the group, amazing leader.
"The girls just stride around her. Fantastic to have her back in the environment and the standards she sets. Fantastic to have her back in."
Ireland trained just outside Northampton, with Aoife Wafer not among the group. Scott Bemand's side open their #RWC2025 campaign against Japan on Sunday #RTERugby #RTESport pic.twitter.com/VgWR2lwkEZ
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 20, 2025
Scott Bemand’s side, who landed in England on Friday, kick off their group campaign against the Sakura at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday at 12 noon.
They take on Spain at the same venue a week later before what could be pool decider against the Black Ferns in Brighton on Sunday fortnight.
"We had a really good training before we left Dublin," Muldoon said of the squad's preparation.
"We had a few down days, the girls were really itching. We had our install yesterday, we wanted to go, we were definitely ready to attack the day.
"We had a fantastic session, one of our best.
"What I loved is everything we were going after last week and this week, technical and tactical, translated to on the pitch. So of the girls put their hand up.
"Japan are fantastic, they're a very ball focused-team.
"They have some key personnel that love to target ball.
"Their kick to create something, fantastic opportunities there across the park. We’ve done our homework but it’s all about us."
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