Aoife Wafer dedicates prestigious Six Nations award to teammates & family as Ireland ace says ‘always wanted to be best'
The back row, 22, inspired
Advertisement
2
Aoife Wafer was named Six Nations Player of the Championship
Credit: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
2
She scored four tries as Ireland finished third
Credit: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
And the prize is a welcome one for Scott Bemand's side who finished last in the
The
Wafer — after edging Feleu by 333 votes — said: 'It's huge for me but also for our team. It really shows how much we have done in the last two years and how we are growing.
'This trophy is not just mine. It's for the team and it's for my
family
. I always wanted to be the best at everything I did.
Advertisement
Read More on Six Nations
'I wanted to make my family, my friends and my team-mates proud of me.
'Ever since I was six I wanted to play for Ireland, and then, as I started growing up it became possible to become a professional women's
rugby
player in Ireland.
'It's great to be nominated and win this trophy.
'Hopefully this can inspire the younger generation to pick up a rugby ball or play any sport.'
Advertisement
Most read in Rugby Union
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Irish trainer at centre of surreal RTE moment with Gordon Elliott discovers ‘ultimate decision' of Galway Races appeal
NOEL LUCK Irish trainer at centre of surreal RTE moment with Gordon Elliott discovers 'ultimate decision' of Galway Races appeal NOEL MEADE has failed in his appeal against the outcome of a race in Galway that led to a surreal TV moment with Gordon Elliott. Initially Meade's runner Helvic Dream had pipped Ndaawi to the post in the Galway Hurdle. 2 Noel Meade's appeal against the overturned result of the Galway Hurdle has been dismissed Credit: Matt Browne/Sportsfile 2 He was involved in a bizarre TV moment with Gordon Elliott after the race Credit: Seb Daly/Sportsfile However, an inquiry was immediately called as the former had seemed to bump the latter towards the inside fence. The review process played out on live TV as Gordon Elliott - who trained Ndaawi - discovered his horse had won while standing right next to Meade. Meade subsequently appealed the result, with the IHRB hearing evidence from him, jockey Donagh Meyler, Gordon Elliott, and his jockey Jack Kennedy. In his evidence, Meade, Trainer opined that the best horse won, and it was impossible to say that Kennedy was ever going to pass Helvic Dream. He argued that Kennedy's body language was that he was leaning out to meet Meyler and Helvic Dream and he never had to stop riding at any point Jack Kennedy, however, insisted he started to feel contact between 200 and 150 yards from the finish. He explained that he switched his whip from his left hand to his right hand because he was tight for room on his left side. The rider likened it to "two cars locked together" and concluded that he felt very hard done by passing the line as his horse didn't get a "fair crack at the race". When all evidence was heard, the three-person IHRB committee ultimately rejected the appeal. Mrs Justice Siobhan Keegan said on their behalf: "We do reflect that all of the participants in this appeal are experienced professionals, and we understand the positions that they respectively hold. Gordon Elliott and Noel Meade in surreal live RTE moment as they react to controversial Galway Hurdle ruling "The ultimate decision that we have to reach is whether the stewards erred in their decision on the day and whether we should uphold the decision or reach a different view on this. "Having viewed all the recordings of the race and considered all of the evidence we have to come to our decision, mindful that these determinations are on the balance of probabilities. "We also want to say that we can well see why an appeal has been brought in this case. "(We are) dealing with a case where each side has made some valid points and there are points to be made on each side of the argument. "Looking at the notice of appeal in summary, we think it is an underestimate to say that there was minor contact in this race. "We think it is an oversimplification to say that the second horse always had racing room. "In coming to our conclusion, we cannot be satisfied that the stewards erred in their decision to reverse the placings. "In summary that is because interference has occurred, and it was caused by Mr Meyler. "Whilst Mr (Jack) Kennedy's horse may not have obviously lost its own momentum, he was clearly significantly pressed for space so near the rail and he was not able to ride his strongest race. "We must therefore dismiss the appeal." While unsuccessful in his appeal, Meade was awarded some of the cost of lodging it.
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Nathan Collins says Ireland ‘in a positive place' under Hallgrimsson as he shares exciting verdict of World Cup hopes
Ireland begin their qualifying campaign in September WORLD BEATERS Nathan Collins says Ireland 'in a positive place' under Hallgrimsson as he shares exciting verdict of World Cup hopes NATHAN COLLINS does not believe it is "bullish" to suggest Ireland have put themselves in a position to qualify for the World Cup. Heimir Hallgrimsson's men begin their pursuit of qualifying for next summer's competition at home to Hungary on September 6. 2 Nathan Collins believes Ireland are in a good place to qualify for the World Cup Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 Heimir Hallgrimsson and Collins have both been positive about their chances Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile The more truncated qualification campaign will conclude with a trip to Budapest in November, with games home and away to Portugal and Armenia in between. The mood music around the team has changed in recent times, particularly after their two-legged Nations League relegation play-off win over Bulgaria in March. And Collins believes they are in a good place heading into the campaign. He told SunSport: "I think the way it's been since the start of last year, it's been positive for Ireland as a whole. "Our results, the way we've been playing our football, it's been positive. I think we're in a good place overall. "The fact that a lot of players have been playing football before then, a lot of players in a better place this time than potentially last year. "It's all really good and well for Ireland football. "It's exciting times. We've given ourselves a chance and that's all you can do before it kicks off." A common concern for the Republic of Ireland has been the level to which the senior squad are playing. To this end, this past summer has seen some progress, even if the number of Ireland players in the Premier League (12) is down on 2024/25. 'Don't say that on camera' - Nathan Collins' admission about Caoimhin Kelleher's move leaves Heimir in stitches Nathan Collins will be captaining Brentford, managed by ex-Ireland assistant Keith Andrews, and has been joined by Caoimhin Kelleher after his move from Liverpool. Josh Cullen, meanwhile, will be skippering Burnley after they were promoted from the Championship. Seamus Coleman is the Everton club captain, and is joined on the books at the Merseysiders by Mark Travers and Jake O'Brien. There are 47 Irish players at Championship clubs, more than any other country. Quartet Dara O'Shea, Chiedozie Ogbene, Sammie Szmodics and Jack Taylor are seeking a return to the top tier with Ipswich Town after they were relegated last season. Bristol City also have a heavy Irish influence, with Jason Knight leading the pack, while Finn Azaz will be looking to have another strong year with Middlesbrough. Gavin Bazunu is back from a long-term injury and will be Southampton's No1 this season. On the continent, Troy Parrott continues to impress at AZ Alkmaar having scored six goals in his last three games including a brace in their Eredivisie opener win over Groningen last weekend. And Evan Ferguson will be looking to relaunch his career in Serie A after signing for AS Roma on loan. HIGH LEVEL Collins added: "I think it's great that a lot of players are playing at the higher level but it's football. Everything can change. "We could have more next season or we could have less. That's what happens. "Football chops and changes so quick and we can move around so quickly. "The fact that we do have a lot now with a lot of players playing regularly and that's the main thing before we go into this campaign is always a positive. "It's nothing to worry about for the next few years." Heimir Hallgrimsson has been positive about Ireland's chances of getting to the 2026 World Cup. The Boys in Green have not been to the tournament since 2002, while they have not been to a major competition since Euro 2016. Collins shares that positivity and believes he and his gaffer are not being bullish in saying so. He said: "I wouldn't say bullish. I'd say that we all have a similar feeling that it is a good opportunity to get to a World Cup. "It's different for Heimir because his whole job is focused on Ireland. We have the Premier League or Championship to worry about. "When it comes to the round, we're all in a positive place and we're all excited. We all think we've given ourselves an opportunity."
The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Owners remove £195,000 Grade 2-winning horse from Gordon Elliott's yard with his blessing and send to his protege
It was Elliott's suggestion the horse could benefit from a move FIND THE SPARK Owners remove £195,000 Grade 2-winning horse from Gordon Elliott's yard with his blessing and send to his protege GORDON ELLIOTT has given his blessing to a £195,000 Grade 2-winning superstar being removed from his yard - and sent to his protege. The legendary Irish handler believes a change of scenery at Olly Murphy's Warren Chase stables in Warwickshire could spark him back into life. Advertisement 2 American Mike actually beat future Ryanair winner Fact To File on chase debut - but has failed to hit the same heights since Credit: Sportsfile 2 Olly Murphy, who was former assistant to Gordon Elliott, will be tasked with bringing American Mike back to his best, after he left Elliott's Meath yard with his blessing Credit: PA American Mike, who is owned by Noel and Valerie Moran's Bective Stud, has some amazing back form but hasn't quite hit the heights expected. He beat subsequent Ryanair winner Fact To File by more than three lengths on chase debut. And he got the better of this year's Grand National hero Nick Rockett in a 3m chase on heavy at Navan in February 2024. But the eight-year-old son of Mahler hasn't won since - finishing in the places only once from seven further runs. Advertisement Elliott thinks the time is right to send him to Bet365 Gold Cup-winning trainer Murphy, his former assistant, to work his magic. Murphy has been busy in the horse transfer market this summer. He has acquired Cormac Farrell's recent Galway Listed hurdle winner Sticktotheplan. And former Nicky Henderson inmate Kingston Pride has arrived too after being sold for £285,000. Advertisement Both of those come loaded with potential, while the goal with American Mike is to bring him back to his former glory. Murphy told Racing TV's Josh Stacey: "He's been a horse who hasn't quite reached the expectations as a novice it looked like he might. "I am just starting to get to know him. "Gordon filled me in about him and it was actually Gordon who said the change of scenery would do him good. Advertisement "I'm very lucky to have a horse like him and hopefully he can be competitive in some handicap chases. "We're working as a team. Owners Noel and Valerie Moran who sponsor Gordon's yard are also good supporters of me. "Hopefully just a change of scenery will spark a small bit of a revival. "Albeit he has some good form from last season so it's not like he's completely gone off the face of the earth. Advertisement "We're not just trying to find something that was there three years ago, he has got recent form as well." FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
