Ireland captain Edel McMahon has issued a message of support to Shannon Ikahihifo who announced that she is fighting cancer.
Second row Ikahihifo was part of the wider Ireland training squad but was not in the panel for the Women's Rugby World Cup.
"Crazy to think that one day you can be running around on the rugby pitch feeling completely fine, then five days later you're sitting in a hospital room being told you have cancer," the 30-year-old Trailfinders forward, who has three Ireland caps, posted on Instagram.
"Still a little in shock if I'm honest, but I'm so blessed to have the most amazing husband, family, and friends that always carry when things start to feel a bit heavy.
"Fair to say she's been a pretty tough few weeks. But lucky we're tougher."
Speaking at the team's hotel outside Northampton ahead of Sunday’s opening Pool C game against Japan, co-captain McMahon said: "We found out as a group a little bit earlier than everyone else heard, but we respected Shannon's space that she wanted to deal with this herself and even get to terms with what the news is.
"A credit to her to be so brave to come out.
"It would be very easy to fall into the background and not say anything and not raise awareness herself.
"I know Breast Cancer Awareness is actually happening next month, but the full group are here to support her and we're all thinking of her.
Captain Edel McMahon issues a message of support from the Ireland squad about the news that forward Shannon Ikahihifo is fighting cancer. #RTESport #RTERugby pic.twitter.com/Zvu3vLymiC
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 22, 2025
"But at the same time, she's so selfless in that she didn't want to distract from rugby itself and all of the good work that's going on for World Rugby and this campaign.
"She was like, I don't want [this] to be about me but that's Shannon to a T.
"The squad are definitely thinking of her and we're here to support her whatever that looks like."
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