As Ireland heads into the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, the team finds itself at a significant turning point. Just a few years ago, they missed out on the 2021 tournament.
Today, they arrive not just as participants, but as legitimate dark horses in the betting markets, ranked fifth in the world and carrying momentum from landmark wins, including a first-ever victory over the Black Ferns.
Coach Scott Bemand has named a 32-player squad that blends youth, grit, and world-class experience. With eyes set on a strong Pool C campaign against New Zealand, Spain, and Japan, here are five Irish stars poised to make a major impact this September.
- Edel McMahon – The Relentless Leader
Back Row | Exeter Chiefs & Connacht | 34 Caps
Edel McMahon is the heart and soul of this Irish team. A powerhouse in the back row, she combines defensive toughness, breakdown mastery, and intelligent leadership. Hailing from County Clare, McMahon is a multi-sport athlete with accolades in Gaelic football and even Australian Rules Football before switching to rugby.
Her rugby career has been defined by resilience. From being selected for the Barbarians before her first Irish cap, to battling through injuries and leading Ireland to WXV3 and WXV1 victories, McMahon has emerged as a cornerstone of this revitalised squad. As co-captain, she played a key role in Ireland’s 2024 Six Nations third-place finish and landmark wins over Australia and New Zealand.
Expect McMahon to be central to Ireland’s success—marshalling the breakdown, setting the physical tone, and inspiring those around her.
- Sam Monaghan – The Comeback Queen
Lock | Gloucester-Hartpury | 23 Caps
After over a year sidelined with an ACL injury, Sam Monaghan returns to the Irish fold just in time for the World Cup. A natural leader and physical force in the second row, Monaghan made an instant impact after her debut in 2021. Her towering lineout presence, defensive grit, and gain-line running helped her claim Irish Player of the Year in 2022 and back-to-back Premiership titles with Gloucester-Hartpury.
Co-captaining Ireland alongside McMahon during their WXV3 title run, Monaghan’s influence off the field is as valuable as her contributions on it. Her leadership was sorely missed during her absence, and her return could be the X-factor that propels Ireland deep into the tournament.
With fresh energy and a point to prove, Monaghan will be one of the most influential figures in Pool C.
- Beth Buttimer – The Teenage Talent
Hooker/Back Row | UL Bohemian & Munster | Uncapped
The youngest member of Ireland’s squad, 19-year-old Beth Buttimer is already a name to remember. Though uncapped at senior level, her rapid rise through the ranks speaks volumes. A standout at age-grade levels, she starred for Ireland U20s at the Six Nations Summer Series, earning Player of the Match honours and helping the team secure a historic win over Scotland.
Known for her power, versatility, and composure, Buttimer can play both hooker and back row, bringing tactical flexibility to the squad. With strong showings for Munster and the Clovers, she’s earned a spot not just on potential but performance.
Don’t be surprised if Buttimer earns her first senior cap on rugby’s biggest stage—and makes it count.
- Ellena Perry – The International Returnee
Prop | Gloucester-Hartpury | 1 Ireland Cap (11 for England)
Ellena Perry’s journey to the World Cup is one of resilience, transition, and reinvention. After earning 11 caps for England between 2018 and 2020, Perry stepped away from international rugby. Now, having switched allegiance through her Irish grandfather, she’s back—this time in green.
The Gloucester-Hartpury loosehead has overcome injury and the challenges of motherhood to return to elite form. Making her Ireland debut earlier this month against Canada, she offers invaluable experience in the front row and brings scrummaging stability and carrying power to the squad.
Having already tasted World Cup rugby in another jersey, Perry will look to make her mark with Ireland this time, adding crucial depth and leadership up front.
- Enya Breen – The Midfield Maestro
Centre | Munster Rugby | 29 Caps
Enya Breen is Ireland’s creative engine in the backline. At 26, she has emerged as one of the team’s most composed and reliable playmakers, returning from a serious ACL injury in 2023 to help steer Ireland to third in the 2024 Six Nations.
Breen combines strong defensive organisation with sharp attacking instincts and playmaking vision. She’s captained the Clovers to impressive wins in the Celtic Challenge and brings a calm, strategic presence to midfield, a vital quality in the high-pressure environment of a World Cup.
With matches in her home county of Cork and dreams formed watching Ireland at the 2017 tournament, Breen enters the 2025 edition as both a leader and a legacy-maker.
Conclusion: A Squad Ready to Surprise
From experienced internationals like McMahon and Monaghan to rising stars like Buttimer and Breen, Ireland’s 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup squad has the tools to compete with the best. With professional structures now firmly in place and confidence high after a historic win over New Zealand, this team is ready to make a statement.
Drawn into a challenging Pool C with the Black Ferns, Japan, and Spain, Ireland will need to fire on all cylinders. But with a squad full of leaders, warriors, and game-breakers, don’t bet against them going deep.
This World Cup could mark the moment the shamrock takes centre stage.
