Sports Ireland has a fresh name to watch this autumn, with Jemima Adams Verling set to make her senior Ireland debut against the USA in the Vodafone Ireland WXV Series. The Connacht back-rower’s rise has been rapid, but head coach Scott Bemand believes she has the experience and support to make an immediate impact in Tallaght.
The 20-year-old’s selection is the headline change from the Ireland team that defeated Scotland in May. Although Adams Verling is more familiar with the number eight role, she will line out at blindside flanker, joining captain Erin King and Aoife Wafer in a powerful back row.
Sports Ireland spotlight falls on a rising Connacht star
Adams Verling’s pathway to international rugby has been built on consistency across club, provincial and underage levels. A product of Creggs RFC in Roscommon, she announced herself with Galwegians last season by scoring four tries on her Energia All-Ireland League debut. She went on to register seven tries in four appearances.
Her influence continued with the Clovers during her second Celtic Challenge campaign. She was the leading Irish tackler in the competition, making 134 successful tackles, including 11 dominant hits. She also carried for more than 650 metres, made seven line breaks and recorded 224 attacking ruck arrivals.
Those figures underline why her selection is significant in the wider development of Irish rugby. Adams Verling was the Clovers’ highest-minute player during the campaign, featuring for 914 minutes across 12 starts. That workload has given her valuable exposure to demanding, physical matches before stepping into the senior Ireland set-up.
A carefully managed introduction
Bemand has made it clear that Ireland’s approach is to introduce new players without weakening the team’s competitive edge. Adams Verling will therefore make her debut alongside two established performers in King and Wafer, providing both balance and experience.
“Jemima gets to go in the back row with two world-class operators,” Bemand said. “It gives her every chance to succeed.”
The head coach also pointed to her durability and growing understanding of the game. A recent try from a scrum against Munster was another reminder of her attacking instincts, and Bemand believes she has the confidence and physicality to trouble the USA defence.
Ireland rugby enters a crucial autumn series
The USA match begins Ireland’s first WXV Global Series campaign. Ireland, ranked fifth in the world, will also face Japan at home before travelling to South Africa for a two-Test tour next month.
The autumn schedule offers Ireland an opportunity to build on the momentum generated during the Six Nations. The team finished that campaign strongly, and three consecutive wins would extend their current run to seven victories in a row—a sequence last achieved by the Ireland Women in 2013-14.
However, the USA will provide a serious opening challenge. The American side is ranked eighth, and Ireland’s coaching staff will expect improvements in game management, attacking variety and consistency under pressure.
- Adams Verling will win her first senior Ireland cap.
- Erin King and Aoife Wafer provide experience in the back row.
- Ireland are targeting a strong start to their WXV Global Series campaign.
- The USA, Japan and South Africa will test Ireland’s progress in different conditions.
More than Dannah O’Brien’s boot
Bemand has stressed that Ireland’s attack must offer more than relying on the kicking game of Dannah O’Brien. The team is developing a more flexible style built around kicking, counter-attacking and carrying with greater intent.
That evolution will be important against the USA, particularly if Ireland are expected to control the contest as favourites. Bemand believes his squad is closing the gap on the leading teams, but the next step is learning how to perform consistently when expectation is high.
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Adams Verling’s debut is therefore about more than one selection decision. It is a test of Ireland’s succession planning and a sign that the women’s pathway is producing players ready for the highest level. Her progress through the Women’s National Talent Squad, Ireland underage programmes and the centralised IRFU system reflects a deliberate effort to build depth.
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What should supporters watch for?
The key question will be how quickly Adams Verling settles into the blindside role. Her tackling numbers suggest she can bring defensive energy, while her carrying and ruck work could help Ireland gain momentum in tight areas.
Her combination with King and Wafer will also be central. If Ireland can win the breakdown battle, protect possession and give their backline clean ball, the debutant may have opportunities to show the attacking ability that has marked her rise.
For Ireland, the wider objective is clear: begin the series with a convincing performance and continue developing into a side capable of challenging the world’s top four. For Adams Verling, it is the first chance to turn an impressive domestic and provincial record into an international career.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
