Steenson Embraces Role with Ireland Women’s Squad
Gareth Steenson, Ireland's kicking coach, expressed that working with the women’s rugby team has revitalized his enthusiasm ahead of the Six Nations tournament. The squad is preparing to open their campaign against England at the Allianz Stadium, where over 67,000 tickets have been sold, setting a tournament record.
Under head coach Scott Bemand, Ireland aims to build on their consistent performances from the previous two championships, finishing third in both 2024 and 2025. The team also seeks to move past the disappointment of their recent World Cup quarter-final loss to France.
"The squad that has just been selected for the Six Nations, you look at it and think 'this squad is going to be about for the next World Cup'" Steenson told the Ireland Rugby Social.
"In theory, there are a couple who might not be there but from a point of view of age, wanting to get better and to learn, it is so enthusiastic to be around. I feel a resurgence of energy.
They have given me a release of life. The best thing was, I didn't have any baggage coming in and I see it for what it is."
Steenson, a former fly-half, won the English Premiership twice and a European Cup during his 12-year tenure at Exeter Chiefs before joining Ireland's coaching staff in 2024.
Despite facing England, the reigning Grand Slam and world champions who have secured seven consecutive Six Nations titles and remain unbeaten since 2018, Steenson is optimistic about Ireland’s opening fixture.
"I think the most important thing is we go over there and fire shots. If ever there was a template - the men. What the men did in the Six Nations is exactly what we want to do," he said.
"I think it is a great way for us to start the tournament, I really do. It is an opportunity [to see] where England's heads are at. The last time they played was a World Cup final. Is it going to be a homecoming for them? Maybe.
For our girls, this is why you play the game, this is why I played the game, to play in these big days."
Squad Changes and Progression Goals
The Women’s Six Nations squad includes nine uncapped players, with flanker Erin King appointed as captain following winger Amee-Leigh Costigan’s announcement of her pregnancy with twins. Costigan, who captained Ireland in two defeats during last year’s tournament and scored two tries in the World Cup, is a significant absence.
"The ability they [the Ireland squad] have is great, it is just tapping it and hopefully adding to their rugby knowledge is where I can have an influence.
We are fortunate that a lot of our forwards are playing in the PWR [Premiership Women's Rugby] currently, so those girls are getting exposed to playing a lot of high qualities girls.
A lot of our backs are in the Celtic Challenge, playing some good rugby and scoring tries."
Following their opening match against England, Ireland will host Italy in Galway on 18 April, then face France at Stade Marcel-Michelin a week later. The Six Nations campaign concludes with home games against Wales in Belfast on 9 May and Scotland in Dublin on 17 May.
"Ultimately we have to look at three home games and three home wins. That will be progression on what happened last year with two wins.
It is all about progression and going forward we want to go over and put our best foot forward against England.
To give you an Exeter Chiefs analogy, we have to go over and be better for the experience. We will be better no matter what happens, we will have played in front of 80,000 and the World Champions."
Steenson Reflects on Playing Career and Ulster Opportunity
During a podcast, Steenson discussed his playing career, highlighting his time with Ireland’s U19 and U21 teams and his status as Exeter’s all-time leading points scorer. Despite his achievements, he expressed regret at not having played for his home province, Ulster.
"The time I came in, David Humphreys had a year left in his contract, Paddy Wallace was still playing at that point, and Adam Larkin was another 10 they had. Most teams have three 10s and I probably came in a year or two on the wrong side.
When I went to Rotherham all I wanted to do was to come back [to Belfast]. We ended up four points off winning promotion that year and I remember ringing up and saying, 'what is the chance, has David retired?' 'He has retired, any chance as I have been playing now any chance on coming back?'
However, Niall O'Connor had come back. It is just timing and the timing wasn't right for me."
Steenson also commented on the depth of talent available to men’s head coach Andy Farrell at the fly-half position, following Ireland’s second-place finish in this year’s Six Nations.
"We are very fortunate with the 10s we have in Ireland currently.
There are probably four or five lads currently. [Harry] Bryne, [Ciaran] Frawley, Sam [Prendergast] and Jack [Crowley] are options in the position.
Jack Murphy is playing some good rugby at Ulster, but he is very, very new to his development."
