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'Us Irish, we're well used to all types of weather' - Amee-Leigh Costigan braced for tough Exeter conditions

Amee-Leigh Costigan is unperturbed by any change int he weather
Amee-Leigh Costigan is unperturbed by any change int he weather

The weather is about to turn.

And the Ireland fans who have made their way over for tomorrow's Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France were taking advantage of the last of the sunshine in the cathedral city of Exeter on Saturday afternoon.

There is certainly a positive mood in the camp with the arrival of friends and family to the team hotel adding to the excitement ahead of the side’s first 'win or go home’ game.

The squad themselves have enjoyed their new surrounds, their base in the city centre well placed for short strolls where a number of stunning cathedrals, Roman walls, and old churches can be found, with Tudor architecture also a feature.

This is the calm before the storm, or more accurately, two storms.

However, winger Amee-Leigh Costigan is confident Ireland can cope with whatever conditions prevail in Devon.

Scott Bemand’s side take on Les Bleues in Sandy Park (1pm, live on RTÉ) with a place in a first semi-final since 2014 up for grabs.

The Met Office, which has its headquarters in Exeter, has issued a yellow warning for Sunday with ‘heavy rain’ expected for the game at a venue that sits on the Exe Estuary.

Tudor Street Exeter Pic Michael Glennon
Old Tudor House in the city was constructed in the 16th century, it is believed

"I think our game plan will suit any type of weather," the 30-year-old told RTÉ Sport after the captain’s run on Saturday.

"So that's probably what's most important tomorrow, is going out and putting our game plan in place and trusting that and backing it.

"The weather will be what it will be.

"But luckily for us Irish, we’re well used to all types of weather and especially that rain."

Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter pic Michael Glennon
The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter dates back to the 1400s

While last weekend’s loss to New Zealand didn’t matter with progress already secured, the squad were disappointed at the manner of the defeat, in which they conceded six tries and failed to get on the scoreboard.

There is an argument that Ireland are over-reliant on the boot of out-half Dannah O'Brien and that predictability makes them easier to read.

7 September 2025; Dannah O'Brien of Ireland, supported by teammate Sam Monaghan, is tackled by Risi Pouri-Lane of New Zealand during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool C match between New Zealand and Ireland at Brighton and Hove Community Stadium in Falmer, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfi
Dannah O'Brien turns 22 in two weeks

"There's kicking threats all around the park and I think that'll be important for us as well to not have it solely only Dannah kicking," said Costigan.

"But I think Dannah deals with it really well. She was put under a lot of pressure but it doesn't faze her.

"She's honestly back to the drawing board and on Monday reviewing what she's done. She’s huge ownership around her game.

"I think it's growing her resilience, having so many eyes on her and trying to put a lot of pressure on her.

"She's only going to grow and I think it's really showing her character the way she's able to manage it.

"But, obviously, playing in the right areas of the pitch will probably mean kicking threats and that will be very important to us and how we chase that."

31 August 2025; Amee Leigh Costigan of Ireland celebrates after scoring her side's second 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/Sportsfile
Amee Leigh Costigan scored Ireland's first try of the tournament against Japan

Ireland feel there is a big performance in them.

"We're going for it, we're going to give it absolutely everything," vowed the Tipperary woman when asked what Irish fans can expect.

"And that's what we really want to do tomorrow is go out there and put up a huge fight against them.

"We played them in the Six Nations and saw a lot of opportunities that we just didn't take.

"As long as we can take those opportunities, we'll be proud of what we've done.

"To everybody that's going to be over here, delighted that so many fans can come out here and support us and to everyone back home, we'll go out there and do everyone proud.

"We’ll really focus on us and nail down this performance."

Exeter quay Pic Michael Glennon
Exeter Quay

Including the two warm-up games, Ireland have conceded 23 tries in their last five matches and shoring up that porous defence, in a city where the oldest Roman walls date back to 200AD, will be key to overcoming a 20-point underdog status.

Costigan, who will win her 23rd cap, said: "There are a couple of things we’ve worked on, especially around our tactical stuff around getting our fold, and getting good spacing around that and then the technical part of the tackle, the jackal, blast, stuff like that.

"We know France will come with their edge attack but also their ruck attack. We’re very aware of that.

"It’s growing every game. Tomorrow we’ll do our best to put out the best defensive performance we can."

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Watch Ireland v France in the Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Sunday from 12.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to live radio commentary on RTÉ Radio. All other quarter-finals on RTÉ Player