Latest news with #ScottBemand
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Scott Bemand names two uncapped players in Ireland women's preparation squad
Ireland women head coach Scott Bemand has named two uncapped players in his 37-player preparation squad ahead of Women's Rugby World Cup in England later this summer.
Irish Times
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Aoife Wafer named Six Nations player of the championship for 2025
Ireland's Aoife Wafer has been named the 2025 Six Nations player of the championship following another impressive run in green for the 22-year-old. Wafer was shortlisted for the award alongside Abby Dow (England), Manaé Feleu (France) and Evie Gallagher (Scotland). Over 18,500 fans cast their ballot for player of the championship, with the Wexford backrower claiming 41 per cent of the vote. Last month, Wafer was included in the team of the championship, in which she was joined by Ireland team-mates Neve Jones at hooker and Aoife Dalton at inside centre. Wafer scored four tries during Ireland's Six Nations campaign, which ended in a third-place finish for Scott Bemand's team, making her the joint-second highest try scorer of the tournament. READ MORE She also made 70 carries – the most of any player in this season's championship – gaining 424.7 metres and beating 17 defenders in just four games. Wafer was sidelined for Ireland's final round game against Scotland due to a knee injury. Aoife Wafer scores a try for Ireland against France in the opening round of this year's Six Nations. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho Speaking after she was presented with her award at the Mansion House in Dublin, Wafer said: 'It means the world to me because I want to be the best in the world, and I want my name up there with those Irish Women's rugby stars. I feel that this award is a little step towards that. '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 much we are growing. This trophy is not just mine, it's for the team, my family – it's more so for them than it is for me.' Six Nations Rugby's chief of rugby Julie Paterson added: 'The quality of players in the Guinness Women's Six Nations continues to show the calibre of the athletes competing at the elite level of the game, and the likes of Aoife are incredible examples for future stars of Women's rugby. 'With each of the Six Nations Unions and Federations strengthening their development pathways, through participation in the U-18 Festivals, and Women's Summer Series, those players following in the footsteps of players like Aoife makes the future of Women's rugby incredibly exciting.'
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Defence coach Hugh Hogan's exit stuns Ireland women's team
The Ireland women's squad has been stunned by the news that highly-rated defence coach Hugh Hogan will not be part of Scott Bemand's backroom team at the World Cup.
Irish Independent
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
‘I'm devastated' – Ireland's Dorothy Wall ruled out of Women's World Cup
The 24-year-old sustained the issue on Saturday during her country's 26-19 Guinness Women's Six Nations defeat to Scotland in Edinburgh. She was set to undergo surgery on Wednesday in Dublin and - according to the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) - will be sidelined for a "number of months". "The recovery and rehabilitation process will rule the 24-year-old out of Ireland's pre-season and Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign later this year," read an IRFU statement. Ireland face Japan, Spain and New Zealand in Pool C of the World Cup, which is being staged in England between August 22 and September 27. Scott Bemand's side were already without back-rower Erin King for the tournament after she suffered a serious knee problem earlier this month. Wall said: "I'm devastated to be missing the next couple of months, but my main focus now is on my rehab programme and I'm looking forward to supporting the team in the Rugby World Cup."
Irish Independent
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Sinéad Kissane: Turbulent end can't mask real progress for Irish women
Scott Bemand gets reminder of Ireland's flaws and need for greater depth in painful defeat to Scots after season of positives When the regional aeroplane that included the Ireland squad landed in Edinburgh Airport on Thursday, the flight attendant proudly announced to those on board that they had arrived on schedule. Air miles have been part of the Ireland itinerary this season, with six of their nine games away from home. They travelled to Canada for the WXV1 competition last autumn and then flew to Parma, Cardiff and Edinburgh in this Women's Six Nations campaign. But such is sport that when it looks like you've arrived, it turns out there's still a way to travel.
