Mindset Shift in Irish Women's Rugby
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has observed a significant "mindset shift" throughout all levels of the women's rugby game in Ireland. The senior Ireland team, currently ranked fifth in the world, have experienced a positive 2025 season and are focused on concluding this year's Women's Six Nations tournament with two home victories against Wales and Scotland, following a disappointing loss to France in their previous match.
Bemand also emphasized the progress made at underage levels, citing the Ireland under-21s' historic first victory over England in the Women's Six Nations on Saturday, as well as the under-18s' recent win against the Red Roses last month.
"Yes, I do see that [mindset shift] and it is highlighted by the level of disappointment after the France game. We said we didn't want to be plucky losers and we're not operating in that space anymore," he said.
"I like that little bit of expectation we place on ourselves. People say we appear confident and we should be, we have good players a group that can score tries. We hadn't scored a maul try against a top four side and over in France last week we got a maul try. We're developing and showing we have the capability.
"Two or three years ago we were talking about belief and confidence but now we have the tools to keep going after it. I think there has been a mindset shift. The under-18s beat England recently, under-21s have just beaten England, the mindset now is we have the capability."
Upcoming Matches and Performance Expectations
After a week without fixtures, Ireland will aim to recover from their setback in Clermont as they prepare to host Wales in Belfast on Saturday. Bemand expressed satisfaction with the chances Ireland have created in all three games so far but stressed the need for greater clinical execution against Wales, who have yet to secure a win but managed to score 26 points against England in their previous match.
"We just need to take our points when they're there. We did that in spades in the first half against Italy but we know there are two halves and we think there were still points out there to be gained," he added.
"We want a fast start and to keep going deeper into the game. If we can keep the performance levels, the result will take care of itself. Hopefully we give the people of Belfast something to shout about."
Leadership and Captaincy
Bemand has also commended Erin King, the 22-year-old centre, for her seamless transition into the role of captain during this year's tournament.
"She's an absolute pleasure to work with. You can see the energy and passion that she brings into a media room. She's so incredibly driven," Bemand explained.
"I picked her and I used the Sam Warburton model, we wanted a player people would follow. We wanted her to lead the charge and she's a great role model for how to get continually better. She's growing all the time and uses her leadership group really well – that's been her biggest leap.
"The amount of support she gets from Fiona Tuite is great. If Erin is the follow me, Fiona is the calm lineout caller and a voice of reason who sits behind it. One person can never shoulder all the pressure, so I'm delighted with how Erin is growing in the space and how the leadership triangle has grown too."
Higgins returns for Ireland to face Wales
Dalton feared for Ireland future after first Six Nations
