Ireland's Women Look To Challenge England And France In Six Nations

As the Women's Six Nations Championship kicks off, Ireland's national team, under the guidance of head coach Scott Bemand, prepares to make significant strides against the traditionally dominant sides of England and France. The opening match against France will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast, where the Irish team is determined to showcase their growth and ambition.

Scott Bemand, who has been at the helm of the team, remains optimistic, stating, "We’re hungry to close the gap on England and France in the Women’s Six Nations." His enthusiasm reflects a deep understanding of the challenge ahead, noting the intensity of the competition that Ireland faces.

The 2025 campaign marks an important moment for Ireland, especially given their impressive achievement of finishing second in the WXV1 table last autumn, ahead of France, which finished fifth. This was bolstered by memorable victories against notable teams such as New Zealand, which Bemand credits for their confidence entering the Six Nations.

As Ireland gears up for their encounter with France, there are noteworthy changes in leadership. Amee-Leigh Costigan will captain the team for the first time, supported by vice-captain Neve Jones. Bemand remarked about the excitement surrounding this new leadership dynamic, further emphasizing the advancements within the squad. He remarked, "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."

Both Ruth Campbell and Erin King are set to make their Six Nations debuts, showcasing the fresh talent that Ireland is bringing to the pitch this year. The team has undergone rigorous preparation to enhance their competitive edge, with Bemand highlighting the intensity of training leading up to this championship. He added, "Building on from our WXV1 campaign last Autumn, we’re now focused on producing a performance this Saturday and showcasing further growth and evolution in our game at the start of a very exciting year for Irish Rugby." This strategic emphasis on performance evolution indicates Ireland's intent to not merely compete but to contend for leadership within the tournament.

Looking further into the tournament, the expectations for Ireland are palpable. Many analysts see this year's Six Nations as a critical juncture for Ireland to stake their claim against England, which is expected to pursue their seventh consecutive Women’s Six Nations trophy. Historically, England has been formidable, and their efforts this season aim to continue cementing their dominance in women's rugby. With Bemand’s focus on closing the skill gap, the Irish team hopes to unseat England’s reigning position.

Meanwhile, France has its own challenges to navigate. Despite traditionally strong performances, they finished below expectations in the WXV1 and will be without key players such as Gaëlle Hermet, who has been a significant presence in their line-up. The losses may benefit a rejuvenated Irish squad looking to capitalize on the inconsistencies displayed by the French in past matches.

The game on March 22 will not only be pivotal for ranking but also for the morale of the Irish team as they strive to assert themselves against a side struggling to find consistency. Bemand has expressed a strong belief in his players' abilities, indicating that their recent past performance against elite teams positions them well for the upcoming competition.

Furthermore, while Ireland has been marked by their historical highs and lows in the Six Nations, the inclusion of younger players and a focus on a competitive environment may shift the dynamics this year. This fresh approach to team selection and training could herald a new chapter in Irish women's rugby as they challenge for a higher placement in the standings.

With only a few days to go before the match, anticipation builds not just within the team but among the Irish supporters who flock to the Kingspan Stadium, eager to witness their team begin their 2025 campaign. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, all eyes will be on the Irish squad and their determination to make their mark.

As the Women’s Six Nations unfolds, it becomes more than just a series of matches; it symbolizes the ongoing growth and evolution of women's rugby. For Ireland, this championship marks the beginning of what they hope will be a season filled with achievements and progress, driven by a collective desire to challenge the status quo. Can they rise to the occasion, take on the might of England and France, and redefine their standing in women’s rugby? Only time will tell, but the path to showcasing their hard work and dedication begins this Saturday against France.