Ireland women’s rugby are counting down to a major new chapter, with the USA due to visit Tallaght Stadium for the opening match of Ireland’s WXV Global Series campaign. Training has intensified at the IRFU High Performance Centre as Scott Bemand’s squad prepares for two important home Tests.
Ireland rugby ready for Tallaght Stadium debut
The Ireland Women will play their first WXV Global Series fixture against the USA at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 1.45pm. It will be a significant occasion for the venue, which is hosting a women’s Test match for the first time.
The game comes after Ireland’s memorable Aviva Stadium win over Scotland in May and follows a strong 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations campaign. The squad now has an opportunity to build on that progress in front of a home crowd.
England, Canada and New Zealand all opened the first weekend of WXV action with victories. Ireland will now enter the competition looking to make an immediate impact against a USA side that will provide a serious test of their defence, set-piece work and attacking ambition.
New faces add competition to Ireland’s squad
Training images from the IRFU High Performance Centre show a group combining established internationals with players pushing for their first senior caps. Beth Buttimer is among the uncapped players involved, while Jemima Adams Verling has also caught attention after her performances for the Ireland Under-21s during their Six Nations campaign.
Uncapped out-half Caitríona Finn arrives into camp after playing a central role in Munster’s successful Interprovincial Championship defence. Her form adds depth to Ireland’s options and highlights the pathway from provincial rugby to the international stage.
There is also valuable experience throughout the group. Clíodhna Moloney-MacDonald has moved to 54 Test appearances, joining Linda Djougang in Ireland’s 50-cap club. Brittany Hogan is approaching the same milestone, while Dorothy Wall featured in all five of Ireland’s 2026 Six Nations matches.
King sets the standard for the next phase
Captain Erin King said the squad wants to maintain the standard established during the Six Nations and continue improving. She also hopes supporters who attended the Aviva Stadium victory will return for the Tallaght and Galway fixtures.
“Within the camp there’s great excitement and great buzz,” King said, pointing to the arrival of new players and the positive impact of the Interprovincial series. Her message reflects the mood around Irish rugby: progress must now be matched by consistency.
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Two home fixtures offer a major opportunity
The USA match is the first of two WXV home games for Ireland. Japan will visit Galway’s Dexcom Stadium on Sunday, September 27, giving supporters outside Dublin another chance to see the team in action.
The back-to-back fixtures will test Ireland’s depth and recovery as much as their tactical preparation. The forwards have been working on maul execution and scrum detail, while the backs continue to compete for places across the half-back, centre and outside-back positions.
Players such as Katie Whelan, Aoibheann Reilly, Anna McGann, Emily Lane, Eve Higgins and Enya Breen are among those involved in a competitive training environment. McGann’s ability to cover the wing and outside centre gives the coaching staff additional flexibility.
Experience meets ambition
Aoife Wafer brings further leadership and quality after ending the previous season as a two-time Guinness Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship. Meanwhile, Tullow youngster Dannah O’Brien is approaching her 23rd birthday shortly after the USA fixture, adding another personal milestone to an important week.
In the pack, Jane Clohessy has returned from injury and made three starts during Munster’s Interprovincial title defence. Sadhbh McGrath also enters the new international season after Ulster’s impressive play-off win over Connacht.
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What to watch when Ireland face the USA
- Set piece: Ireland’s scrum and maul work will be central to their attempt to control territory.
- Selection pressure: Uncapped players are competing alongside experienced internationals for places.
- Home support: Tallaght Stadium provides a new setting and an opportunity to grow the audience for women’s rugby.
- Tournament momentum: A strong start would give Ireland confidence before the Japan fixture in Galway.
The next step for Ireland women
Ireland’s WXV Global Series opener is more than a standalone Test. It is the first chance to measure how far the team has progressed since the Six Nations and the Aviva Stadium victory over Scotland.
With a blend of established leaders, emerging talent and renewed competition for places, the Ireland women’s rugby squad enters the campaign with clear ambition. The next step is now on the pitch, with the USA waiting in Tallaght and Japan to follow in Galway.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby