Oct 19,2024
Enya Breen says Ireland have no intention of sitting still as they look to follow up their impressive WXV campaign at next summer's World Cup in England.
Scott Bemand’s side will have familiar opposition at the tournament, which gets under way next August, drawn to face New Zealand, Japan and Spain in Pool C.
It’s just under three weeks since Ireland pulled off one of the biggest shocks in modern women’s rugby when they defeated the world champion Black Ferns 29-27 in their WXV opener in Vancouver, and while they were beaten by Canada a week later, last week’s win against USA secured a second-place finish in the tournament.
The team’s stock price has risen considerably during 2024. It got off to a rocky start with defeats to France and Italy, but five wins in their last seven games have seen them climb up from tenth to sixth in the world rankings.
And Breen, who captained the side in their last two games, says they’re only getting started.
"We’re not going to rest on where we are now," the Munster centre said, as she reacted to the Pool stage draw for Rugby World Cup 2025.
Ireland’s rematch with New Zealand was one of the big headlines from the draw which took place in London on Thursday evening.
The Black Ferns were accused of complacency when they were stunned by Ireland in the WXV opener in late September, and while Breen admits they will be facing a better New Zealand side in Pool C next year, she’s also predicting Ireland will have moved up another gear.
"I think that’s part of the game, isn't it? You get to have a look at one person, they get to have a look back at you.
"I think, yes, they saw us two weeks ago, but that’s not going to be the same us that will be taking to the pitch in a year’s time. That’s the exact same again. We’re just going to try keep pushing on and I’m sure when the time comes we’ll be ready to face them.
"It was exciting, really. After the last few weeks we’ve shown we’re well able to compete with the best, and we had a good result against them two weeks ago, but we’re massively excited to have a chance to compete against them again," she added.
Joining Ireland and New Zealand in Pool C are Japan and Spain, both of whom this Irish team have encountered in recent seasons.
"We’re actually quite familiar with them over the last few years. We had Spain in WXV3 last year, and the World Cup qualifiers a few years previously. We had a few good battles with them, and Japan, we were only on tour there two years ago.
"They’re two teams we’re absolutely respecting and have had some good battles with over the last few years. We’re really excited."
The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals, with Ireland’s Pool C paired with Pool D for the last eight, meaning they will face one of France, Italy, South Africa and Brazil.
The fixtures schedule is set to be confirmed next Tuesday, and Breen says they won’t be putting too much stock on where and when the take on New Zealand.
"I don't think it matters to us too much anyway. Obviously, we faced them first a few weeks ago, but yeah, for us, I think we're going to be ready no matter what team is first.
"It's a World Cup, there's going to be no easy games, and once you get through the pool stage. Hopefully, you'll be in the quarterfinal, and it doesn't get any easier from there," she added.
