Ireland rugby has suffered a significant setback ahead of the autumn international window, with experienced forward Sam Monaghan ruled out of the women’s full WXV Global Series campaign through injury.
The former Ireland co-captain has been sidelined by an Achilles problem and will miss three matches, including the Vodafone Ireland XV Series meetings with the USA and Japan at home, followed by an away fixture against South Africa.
Monaghan absence leaves Ireland Women without a key leader
Monaghan, 33, remains an important figure within the Ireland Women camp despite being unavailable for selection. The second row returned from a serious ACL injury to feature at both last season’s Rugby World Cup and the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, but this latest setback rules her out of the autumn programme.
Head coach Scott Bemand confirmed that Monaghan will continue to contribute around the squad while she recovers. Her involvement in team meetings and training-camp preparations should ensure Ireland retain some of the leadership and experience she brings to the group.
“Sam has been really unlucky,” Bemand said. “She picked up an Achilles injury, so that will be this competition out for her.”
The coach also stressed that the injury creates an opportunity for other players to step forward as Ireland begin an important sequence of international matches.
Who could replace Monaghan in the Ireland second row?
Monaghan’s absence, combined with an ankle injury suffered by Ruth Campbell during Leinster’s Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship final defeat to Munster, leaves Ireland with selection decisions to make in the engine room.
Campbell could yet return during the international window. Ireland’s medical and performance staff remain hopeful that her recovery will progress quickly enough for her to play a role in the series.
If Campbell is unavailable for the opening match, Dorothy Wall and Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan are the most likely pairing at lock. The duo have 67 Ireland caps between them and started together against England, France and Wales earlier this year.
There is also competition from within the wider squad:
- Jane Clohessy is pushing for selection after making her Ireland debut against Scotland in 2025.
- Kate Jordan has continued to develop with Leinster and is viewed as another forward ready to make an impact.
- Alma Atagamen and Olivia McKinley have been called into the squad and offer fresh options as Ireland build depth.
Tuite-O’Sullivan also arrives with confidence after producing a player-of-the-match display for Ulster against Connacht. Her form could place her firmly in contention for a starting role at Tallaght Stadium.
A chance for Ireland’s next generation
While losing Monaghan is a blow, the situation gives Ireland an opportunity to test the strength of their forward group. The autumn schedule will demand physicality, accuracy at set piece and composure under pressure, particularly against opponents with strong international experience.
For the uncapped players, the campaign provides a chance to establish themselves in the senior setup. Their progress will be closely watched as Ireland continue to build towards the next phase of the international cycle.
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USA opener sets the tone for Ireland’s autumn series
Ireland Women open their campaign against the USA at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 1.45pm. The match is the first of three home Tests in the wider autumn programme and will provide an early indication of how Bemand’s side adapts to the loss of a senior forward.
The USA fixture should also offer a first opportunity to see how Ireland’s revised second-row options perform under Test-match pressure. Wall and Tuite-O’Sullivan have previous experience together, while the emerging players will be eager to force their way into the conversation.
With Monaghan still present around the group, Ireland can retain her influence while allowing new combinations to develop on the pitch. That balance may prove valuable during a demanding run of matches.
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What to watch next for Ireland Women
The immediate focus will be Campbell’s recovery and the final selection for the USA match. If she is not cleared, Ireland are likely to rely on Wall and Tuite-O’Sullivan, with Clohessy and Jordan providing further competition.
Monaghan’s injury is frustrating for the player and the team, but Ireland have an opportunity to turn the setback into a test of their squad depth. The opening match at Tallaght Stadium will show whether the next generation of forwards is ready to take on greater responsibility.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
