Doris and Wafer sum up year after picking up Guinness Rugby Writers Awards

Both Caelan Doris and Aoife Wafer have reflected on their year after picking up the men's and women's Guinness Rugby Writers Awards, respectively, this week.

Wafer was an integral part of the Irish team in this year's Guinness Women’s Six Nations. She was also part of the Irish side that beat New Zealand for the first time ever and helped secure qualification for both WXV1 and the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

Speaking to the IRFU website, Wafer admitted that the year had been “mental” and said she was looking forward to 2025.

"Yeah, it's a bit of a mental one to reflect on, starting out with the Six Nations and finishing third in that. Getting qualification for the World Cup has been absolutely phenomenal. And then, I suppose, we just kept building momentum into that WXV1. We went straight to New Zealand and started off that campaign with a big win there.

"We were disappointed with our first game, but we kept building for the USA match. So yeah, it's an exciting year for women's rugby, particularly Irish women's rugby, with the next two home games against France and England and then building towards a World Cup in England."

Doris also shared his thoughts on his year after being made Ireland captain. He expressed satisfaction with his achievements but, like Wafer, is eager for what’s next.

"Yeah, it's been very enjoyable. Plenty of high points in there, a few low ones as well, but two special groups to do it with—both here and back with Leinster as well. So I'm enjoying my rugby big time, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season."