As anticipation builds for the Women's Six Nations Championship, Ireland gears up for a pivotal duel against France on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the iconic Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Sponsored by EVOKE, this match marks a significant moment for the Irish Women's Rugby Team, who will look to capitalize on their upward trajectory after a strong performance in the previous season.
Having finished third last year in the Women's Six Nations, the expectations are high. The Irish women last tasted victory against France in 2017, a challenge that weighs heavily as they prepare to face their rivals. "We are really excited to get our 2025 season underway in front of our home crowd in Belfast this Saturday, and no better challenge to start with than the visit of a very talented France side," said head coach Scott Bemand.
The gates at Kingspan Stadium will open at 11 a.m., with the arrival of the Irish team scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy pre-match activities, including a warm-up session starting at noon. The match itself is set to kick off at 1:00 p.m., accompanied by performances of the anthems by Jennifer Dalton and Lyra, ensuring a lively atmosphere for both players and fans alike. During the half-time break, Lyra will return for a performance that promises to keep the energy alive.
Amongst the squad, Amee-Leigh Costigan is set to make her debut as captain in a Test match, leading the team alongside vice-captain Neve Jones. Bemand expressed confidence in his team, stating, "We have had a strong block of preparation leading into the Championship, and the intensity of training and competition for places within the Match Day Squad has driven standards in camp."
Fiona Tuite, an integral part of the team, echoed these sentiments, claiming, "We 100% believe we can win this game. We'll focus on ourselves and we'll take a lot from it... If the result comes, then absolutely, it's class. But do we think we can punch? Absolutely." Tuite's belief in their potential is echoed by a commitment to the journey of improvement rather than merely focusing on the outcome.
As they step onto the pitch, the Irish team's preparation has included a rigorous focus on developing physicality and aggression. Tuite noted that although they might not be the biggest team, they aim to be aggressive, adding that they have been honing their tactics in anticipation of France's formidable playing style.
The mood in the camp is optimistic, with another player, Linda Djougang, suggesting that the team has made significant strides in their performance. "It was belief in Vancouver, and that's what we really spoke about, our belief. We definitely wanted to get to that level of France and England, and I think that we're definitely moving in the right direction from last year, qualifying for the World Cup and coming third in the Six Nations," she stated.
Djougang, who is set to earn her 42nd cap for Ireland, highlighted the importance of preparation and technique, especially at the breakdown against a team known for their physical play. The Irish side's recent victories over strong teams have contributed notably to their growing confidence, leading to heightened expectations as they head into this Championship.
France, on the other hand, arrives in Belfast looking to redeem themselves after falling short in last year's WXV tournament. They have finished second to England in the last five Six Nations, but recent matchups have indicated that Ireland could challenge for the win. Tuite emphasized the need for focus, reckoning, "They are fast, strong, and quick. We've worked really hard, but we will just focus on the game that we can bring, and we're looking forward to the challenge. We're looking forward to see how we go in the Six Nations and then on to the World Cup."
The tactical adjustments made by head coach Bemand include a detailed strategy on how to counter France's fast-paced gameplay, particularly at the breakdown where they tend to thrive. Djougang has been particularly working on her tackle techniques, preparing to lead the defensive charge against an experienced French side.
The stakes for this game are particularly high as it marks the opening of a decisive year for the Irish team. With the World Cup in England just five months away, Tunisia performing exceptionally well in the previous cycle has created a different narrative from the previous years of less favorable outcomes. Under new structures and support from the Irish Rugby Football Union, the implementation of central contracts for players is expected to bolster their competitive edge.
The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 38-17 defeat for Ireland in Le Mans, but Ireland’s improvement was evident and well-suspected to close the gap between their competitive edges. This growing competitiveness is a product of hard work and determination, as reflected in their training sessions in the lead-up to this match.
As this historic clash approaches, fans are left wondering whether the Irish team can finally break the eight-year losing streak and start 2025 with a victory in front of their home crowd. Both the players and coaching staff have expressed an eagerness to showcase their growth and tenacity. The buzz around Belfast is palpable, with the combination of local talent, robust preparation, and fan support poised to create an unforgettable atmosphere at Kingspan Stadium.
Every aspect of the past season has led to a point of culmination for the Irish Women's Rugby Team, and Saturday's match against France could provide the perfect template for success as they progress into the season and beyond. Fans and teammates alike will be watching closely as this promising squad takes the field to assert their identity against one of the strongest teams in women’s rugby.
