Ireland completed their preparations for their opening Women's Rugby World Cup clash against Japan with a training session at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton on Saturday morning.
All 31 players currently in England went through their paces at the home of the Saints, expected to be a 15,249 sell-out, with injured flanker Aoife Wafer set to arrive tomorrow to watch her team-mates in their first Pool C clash.
The 22-year-old had remained in Ireland to continue rehab on a knee injury, which has ruled her out of the opening game and, most likely, next weekend’s match against Spain.
"Everyone full came through there and all ready to go for the game, no concerns at all," scrum coach Denis Fogarty said.
Ireland train at Franklin's Gardens ahead of tomorrow's #WRWC2025 clash against Japan #RTERugby #RTESporr pic.twitter.com/4vXYCMKSgs
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On Wafer, he added: "It’s been really positive over the last couple of weeks. She will be joining the squad tomorrow and we move forward into the week.
"It’s still too early to say where that fits in, but she’ll definitely start taking part in some form of sessions to ease her in.
"It’s just making sure it’s the right time for her when she does join 100%. Absolutely not [worth rushing her back]."
Sam Monaghan also spoke to media following the captain’s run at a sunny Franklin’s Gardens.
The Gloucester-Hartpury forward can’t wait to get going.
"It’s a gorgeous stadium," he said.
"I can’t wait for it to be filled with green jerseys. I know there are crowds coming over. There were a few flights this morning and I got pictures.
"It’s a great stadium; they have it in great shape and I’m really excited to get going.
"It’s really important [to lay down a marker]. We know Japan are a well-disciplined and a well-drilled team.
"There’s been such a buzz. We’ve been building towards this for the last three years.
"There’s no pressure, we’re going to do what we do, there’s four white lines out there. We’re going to focus on us and enjoy it as much as we can."
Centre Eve Higgins is one of four changes to the side beaten by Canada two weeks ago with the Railway Union player set for her 29th cap.
"All we’ve heard for the last few weeks is how lovely a pitch Franklin’s Gardens is and it didn’t disappoint, it’s a lovely pitch.
"It’s all getting real now. It’s surreal but it’s a positive energy we have."
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