Photo via BBC Sport

WXV series about 'turning the page' for Ireland

Ireland women's head coach Scott Bemand views the approaching WXV Global Series as the start of a fresh preparatory phase targeting the next World Cup in three years. The squad entered this stage after suffering a narrow quarter-final defeat against France in the previous World Cup and subsequently claiming third place in the 2026 Six Nations, a run highlighted by a clean sweep across all three home fixtures.

Their upcoming international calendar kicks off this Sunday at Dublin's Tallaght Stadium against the United States. Following the opener, the team travels to Galway on 27 September for a WXV clash and Cork on 3 October for back-to-back matches against Japan, before concluding the campaign with two fixtures against South Africa in Cape Town on 24 and 31 October.

With approximately 28 international appearances up for grabs over the next three-year span, Bemand aims to evaluate emerging talent and expand roster depth. Second-row player Sam Monaghan will miss these upcoming matches due to an Achilles tendon injury, but the head coach framed her absence alongside other player injuries as a valuable opportunity for emerging talent to claim selection and assume leadership roles.

Highlighting the team's balance of speed, physical power, kicking, and fielding, Bemand expressed confidence that sustained effort will yield continuous progress as opposing teams apply greater scrutiny.