Ireland drawn with New Zealand, Japan and Spain in Women's Rugby World Cup

17 Oct 2024, 18:34 by David Sneyd · The42

IRELAND HAVE BEEN drawn with reigning champions New Zealand at next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

Scott Bemand’s side have avoided the hosts and will also face Japan and Spain in Pool C.

Fresh from that famous win over New Zealand just last month, Ireland were sixth seeds in the second band of teams as a result of their form in the recent WXV1 series.

The last time Ireland faced The Black Ferns at the World Cup they knocked them out in 2014 en route to finishing fourth overall.

Ireland did not qualify for the last World Cup, but that recent win, as well a victory over Australia, have raised expectations.

“The group is quite familiar in terms of teams we have played in the last few years,” Ireland co-captain Sam Monaghan said following Thursday’s draw, which was live on the BBC’s The One Show.

“I am buzzing to play them (New Zealand) and I am sure they will be up for the rematch.”