Ireland's head coach, Scott Bemand, has expressed his belief in Aoife Wafer's ability to return to her peak performance in the forthcoming Women's Six Nations fixture against Italy. Her recent outing against England saw a quieter display, but Bemand remains optimistic, highlighting her resilience and strong showing in training. The coach expects the 23-year-old back row to deliver a more influential performance, while also acknowledging the notable progress of the Italian team.
Wafer, a prominent figure in Irish rugby, faced a challenging 2025 marked by injuries that impacted her World Cup aspirations and delayed her debut with Harlequins after her move from Leinster. In the recent match against England, her involvement with the ball was limited, leading to her substitution after 61 minutes. Despite this, Bemand maintains that Wafer's quiet game was largely due to the team's inability to generate sufficient phases, which prevented their key players, including Wafer, from making an impact. He stressed the importance of recognizing these missed opportunities to better utilize their talented athletes.
Bemand further commented on Wafer's current state, noting her positive mindset and impressive contributions during training sessions throughout the week. He conveyed his eagerness for spectators to witness her capabilities on the field this weekend, indicating that strategic adjustments have been made to ensure she receives more opportunities to influence the game. This focus underscores the team's commitment to maximizing her potential.
The upcoming match will see Wafer as a crucial part of the Irish squad, aiming to replicate their dominant 54-12 victory over Italy in Parma last year. However, Bemand issued a warning, stating that the Italian side, despite their 40-7 defeat to France in their last game, has shown significant improvement over the past year. He described them as a well-coached group with a clear strategy, a stark contrast to their previously more unpredictable style of play.
Bemand highlighted the broader development of rugby in Italy, referencing the progress seen in the men's game as an indicator of the sport's overall growth. He emphasized that this rising tide has positively impacted the Italian women's team, making them more organized and strategically aware. This evolution suggests a more formidable opponent for Ireland in the upcoming encounter, requiring a focused and adaptable approach from the Irish team.
The coach's unwavering support for Wafer, coupled with the team's strategic adjustments, demonstrates a clear intent to help her regain her form and contribute significantly to Ireland's campaign. The anticipation for her performance against an improved Italian side adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming Women's Six Nations match, with both teams looking to assert their dominance on the field.
