Ireland's Wafer returns for Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France

Ireland back row Aoife Wafer will make her first appearance of the Women's Rugby World Cup in Sunday's quarter-final against France.

Wafer, 22, who will join English club Harlequins after the tournament, missed the pool stages as she recovered from a knee operation.

The return of the 2025 Women's Six Nations player of the tournament is one of two changes to Ireland's starting side for their first world cup quarter-final since 2014.

Six Nations Player of the Tournament Aoife Wafer is set for her first Women’s Rugby World Cup start this Sunday against France! ☘️

The 22-year-old back row star missed the pool stages through injury, but head coach Scott Bemand has backed her to face Les Bleues in the quarters. pic.twitter.com/a1bz9JOvBS

— The Good, The Scaz And The Rugby (@GoodScazRugby) September 12, 2025

Wafer replaces Ireland co-captain Edel McMahon after the flanker went off with a knee injury during Ireland's 40-0 loss to reigning world champions New Zealand in their final pool match.

Ireland coach Scott Bemand has also brought in Fiona Tuite for Grace Moore in the back row for the game in Exeter.

Stacey Flood and Eve Higgins, both injured against the Black Ferns, are fit to start at full-back and inside centre.

Ireland qualified for the quarter-finals as runners-up in Pool C, while France are unbeaten after topping Pool D.

France won 27-15 when the teams last met, during the Six Nations in Belfast in March.