McGrath ready for French test after New Zealand setback at Rugby World Cup

Sadhbh McGrath will be hoping for a bigger role in Ireland’s Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France this weekend after featuring from the bench in Sunday’s bruising loss to New Zealand.

The Buncrana woman entered the fray in the front row as Ireland were overpowered 40-0 by the defending champions in Brighton in the final group stage game. The Black Ferns showed ruthless line speed in defence and hard carrying in attack, denying Ireland any chance to build momentum or register points on the board.

For McGrath - at 21 she’s one of the youngest players in the Ireland squad - the experience of competing against the world champions will be invaluable. She stood up well to the Black Ferns’ intensity when called upon from the replacements bench with 20 minutes remaining and now looks ahead to the challenge of France at Sandy Park in Exeter on Sunday.

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France will present a different but equally demanding test.

Ireland have not beaten them in eight years and history shows a string of defeats at World Cup level, including the 2014 bronze medal play-off.

McGrath’s involvement continues a remarkable rise for the Buncrana woman, who broke into the senior international squad during the 2023 Six Nations at the age of just 18.

With injury concerns in the Irish camp - including Stacey Flood, who was stretchered off against New Zealand - squad depth will be tested and McGrath’s role could grow more significant in the knockout stages.

Sunday’s quarter-final is Ireland’s chance to rebound from their heaviest defeat of the tournament, and for McGrath it’s an opportunity to continue her development on the biggest stage and help drive her team forward towards the World Cup semi-final.