Ireland's women's rugby coach, Scott Bemand, has named his coaching staff for the upcoming WXV campaign.
The new additions include several new and familiar names. Former England international Alex Codling joins as Ireland's forwards coach; Hugh Hogan is named defence coach; Gareth Steenson is appointed kicking coach; and Denis Fogarty continues as scrum coach for a third season. Additionally, former Ireland international Maz Reilly joins as a World Rugby Coach Intern.
Bemand said on the IRFU website: “We’re delighted to finalise our coaching team for the upcoming match against Australia and WXV1 as we build towards next year’s Rugby World Cup in England. We have recruited an exciting calibre of coaching personnel, all of whom will bring huge experience and expertise to the group.
“Alex, Hugh, and Gareth have been working with the Women’s High Performance Programme at the High Performance Centre in recent weeks and have settled in well, bringing fresh energy and focus to the group as we prepare for our opening match of the season and the WXV campaign in Canada this autumn.
Head Coach Scott Bemand has today confirmed his Ireland Women's XVs Coaching Team for the upcoming Test match against Australia and the WXV1 campaign in Vancouver! 🟢#IrishRugby
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) August 22, 2024
“It is also exciting to have Maz on board with us, having been a stalwart in the green jersey during her playing days and shown huge coaching potential in her role with Leinster in recent seasons. We look forward to coming together as a full-playing and staff group next Monday to hit the ground running ahead of the exciting opportunities ahead.”
Bemand will name his expanded squad for the Ireland women’s Wallaroos game on Wednesday, August 28. The squad will then assemble for camp at the IRFU High Performance Centre on Monday, September 2.
Ireland's WXV1 campaign begins against New Zealand at BC Place, Vancouver, on Sunday, September 29. They then play Canada on October 5 and the USA on October 11.
Tickets for Ireland vs. Australia at Kingspan Stadium are available here.
Ireland Women’s Coaching Team:
- Scott Bemand, Head Coach
- Alex Codling forwards coach
- Denis Fogarty, Scrum Coach
- Hugh Hogan, Defence Coach
- Gareth Steenson, Kicking Coach
- Maz Reilly, World Rugby Coach Intern.
Fixtures
- Sunday, September 29, 2024
- 19:00 Local Time / 03:00 Your Time: New Zealand vs. Ireland, Pool WXV1 at BC Place, Vancouver
- Saturday, October 5, 2024
- 15:45 Local Time / 23:45 Your Time: Canada vs. Ireland, Pool WXV1 at Langley Event Centre, Langley
- Friday, October 11, 2024
- 12:30 Local Time / 20:30 Your Time: USA vs. Ireland, Pool WXV1 at BC Place, Vancouver
