Ireland Women's Rugby Team Targets Semi-Final Spot at 2025 World Cup in England

Ireland's women's rugby team is entering the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup with high hopes after missing out on qualification in 2021, aiming for at least the quarter-finals and possibly a semi-final appearance. Former captain Nichola Fryday highlighted the team's progress due to increased investment and contracts, citing strong recent performances including a win over New Zealand, and sees Ireland as capable of topping their pool. Former player Fiona Coghlan expressed confidence that the team can match or surpass their 2014 semi-final achievement, noting growing public support and internal expectations. However, concerns remain about the team's reliance on key players like Dannah O’Brien, who has been the predominant out-half, similar to the men’s team’s previous over-dependence on Johnny Sexton. Rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll encourages the women's team to learn from the men's recent successes and use this World Cup as an opportunity to boost women's rugby in Ireland. Despite some injury setbacks, Ireland enters the tournament focused and optimistic about their prospects against teams like Japan, Spain, Italy, and South Africa.