Ireland’s coaching staff remains “quite confident” that key forward Aoife Wafer will be fit in time to feature in their upcoming Rugby World Cup campaign.
The 22-year old was superb for her country in the Six Nations this year, and was named player of the tournament for her efforts, but knee problems have sidelined her during pre-season, and she will miss the two warm-up games.
Ireland play Scotland at Cork’s Virgin Media Park this Saturday and then Canada in Belfast seven days later. The question is whether the dynamic back row player will be ready at some point during the global tournament which starts later in the month.
“We’re quite confident that she will play some part of the World Cup, which is really pleasing,” said scrum coach Denis Fogarty. “At the moment she’s tracking really well. It’s just making sure it’s right for her as a player, when she comes back into it.”
Wafer has already undergone a procedure and it is considered unlikely that she will play in the earlier stages of the tournament. Ireland’s first match is on August 24th against Japan, followed by Spain a week later, and then reigning champions New Zealand to complete their pool stage.
“She’s got a procedure done, so she’s definitely not ruled out of the World Cup yet,” said Fogarty in response to a question, “but we’re taking it week by week in terms of when her return to play is, but she’s not ruled out of the World Cup anyway.”
Head coach Scott Bemand is already managing the fitness of two other key forwards in Dorothy Wall and Erin King. Ireland have improved significantly in the last 12 months but can ill afford the loss of players of that calibre.
The squad for the World Cup will be named on Monday, August 11th, two days after they face the Canadians at Affidea Park.
