Aoife Wafer still absent as Ireland go through paces for Japan World Cup opener
The 22-year-old flanker underwent knee surgery just over a month ago and has all but been ruled out of Ireland's opening two World Cup games, against Japan on Sunday and Spain on Sunday week.
There are indications that the Wexford woman, the 2025 Six Nations player of the tournament, may return for the third Pool C game against New Zealand on 7 September.
Co-captain Edel McMahon, who missed the two friendly games against Scotland and Canada with a knee injury, trained with the squad at Towcestrians Rugby Club but the back row warmed up separately.
Ireland trained just outside Northampton, with Aoife Wafer not among the group. Scott Bemand's side open their #RWC2025 campaign against Japan on Sunday #RTERugby #RTESport pic.twitter.com/VgWR2lwkEZ
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 20, 2025
Scott Bemand's side, who landed in England on Friday, kick off their group campaign against the Sakura at Franklin's Gardens on Sunday at 12 noon.
They take on Spain at the same venue a week later before what could be pool decider against the Black Ferns in Brighton on Sunday fortnight.
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