Ireland’s World Cup: limping to the start line or a golden opportunity?

Irish Times contributor Louise Lawless joins Nathan Johns to preview the campaign

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Ireland's Anna McGann celebrates with Aoibheann Reilly, Grace Moore and Claire Boles after scoring Ireland’s 3rd try during their World Cup warm-up match against Canada at the Affidea Stadium, Dublin 9/8/2025. Photography: Ben Brady/©INPHO
Ireland's Anna McGann celebrates with Aoibheann Reilly, Grace Moore and Claire Boles after scoring Ireland’s 3rd try during their World Cup warm-up match against Canada at the Affidea Stadium, Dublin 9/8/2025. Photography: Ben Brady/©INPHO

Ireland’s World Cup campaign is fast approaching. Yet perhaps due to Lions fatigue, the build-up has been somewhat muted. Maybe the bandwagon won’t get going until Ireland play New Zealand on September 7th, or is it a case of the women’s game being in a strange place?

Much of the chatter around this Ireland group has been positive in recent years, thanks to improving Six Nations results and a famous win over the Black Ferns. Yet with key players injured, last-minute call-ups from England and questions on the future of the domestic game, this World Cup build-up doesn’t scream a team about to take off.

Irish Times contributor Louise Lawless joins Nathan Johns to preview the campaign.

Produced by John Casey.

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