Ireland Names McMahon-Led Team for Women's Rugby World Cup Opener Against Japan

Ireland's co-captain Edel McMahon has recovered from a knee injury and will start at open-side flanker in the Women's Rugby World Cup Pool C opener against Japan in Northampton. McMahon missed the warm-up games but returns alongside co-captain Sam Monaghan, who starts in the second row. Head coach Scott Bemand has made four changes to the team, including Ruth Campbell moving into the second row, Fiona Tuite switching to the back row, and Amee-Leigh Costigan returning on the wing. Ireland, ranked fifth in the world, will face Japan, ranked 11th, followed by matches against Spain and defending champions New Zealand. The squad also includes strong depth on the bench with players like hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald and former England prop Ellena Perry. Injured key players like Aoife Wafer are absent but expected to return later in the tournament.