Aer Lingus, the official airline of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), is once again proudly supporting the Ireland women’s rugby team as they step into the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations Championship. This year marks a significant milestone as Aer Lingus celebrates its tenth year of partnership with the IRFU, reinforcing its commitment to promoting Irish rugby on an international platform.
This weekend, the Ireland squad will kick off their campaign against France at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast on Saturday, March 22, 2025, with a kick-off scheduled for 1pm. The match holds paramount importance, as Coach Scott Bemand's team aims not only to improve on last year's third-place finish but also to secure a crucial win against a formidable French team.
Aer Lingus will facilitate the team’s travel with direct flights to Italy, Wales, and Scotland for their away matches, ensuring #HomeAdvantage throughout the tournament. After facing France at home, the Ireland team will head to Parma, Italy, to take on the hosts on March 30, and later return for a significant encounter against defending champions England in Cork on April 12. The championship will conclude with a crucial match against Scotland in Edinburgh on April 26.
For the players, this partnership is a significant boost. Backrower Aoife Wafer, named the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Women’s 15s Player of the Year for 2024, shared her enthusiasm. “The Irish supporters are truly amazing, and their energy, both at home and away, gives us a huge boost as a team,” Wafer said. Additionally, Wafer has been appointed as a new ambassador for Aer Lingus, joining fellow players Dorothy Wall, Neve Jones, and Linda Djougang in representing the airline.
The Chief Customer Officer of Aer Lingus, Susanne Carberry, declared, “At Aer Lingus, we are proud to bring #HomeAdvantage to the team’s away games for the Guinness Women’s Six Nations. As we celebrate ten years as a partner with the IRFU, we wish the team, management, coaches, and our ambassadors – Linda, Aoife, Dorothy, and Neve – the best of luck. We look forward to welcoming them onboard.”
On a broader scale, the tournament is not merely about individual matches; it symbolizes the growth and competitive spirit of women’s rugby. Ireland, who finished third in the 2024 Six Nations, is looking to build on recent successes. Given the improvement in their performance over the past few seasons, expectations are high. Their journey has been characterized by significant milestones, including securing direct qualification for the 2025 World Cup and performance in the WXV1 tournament, where they also achieved a commendable finish.
This year, the championship will also see tough competition. England, currently the top-ranked team, has not lost any of their last 29 matches and will be defending their title fiercely. Their remarkable track record includes 20 championship titles, with 18 of those being Grand Slams. Meanwhile, France remains a formidable opponent, having been runners-up over the last four championships.
As the 2025 Women’s Six Nations gathers momentum, fans will be keenly watching the Ireland team, not just for their results but also for their evolving narrative in the sport. This championship serves as a critical platform for the players to showcase their skills and resilience and gain momentum towards future endeavors in the rugby world.
The fixtures for Ireland include a demanding schedule, with tough matchups against France, England, and Italy, alongside crucial encounters in Scotland and Wales. The players remain optimistic, as the groundwork laid in previous seasons sets a promising stage for their performance.
With the kickoff against France on Saturday, the excitement is palpable. Fans are encouraged to rally behind the squad as they aim to take significant strides in the tournament. This year's championship can be a hallmark in Ireland's rugby history, showcasing the remarkable journey of women’s rugby not just in Ireland but around the world.
