Ireland kicking coach Gareth Steenson says the women’s squad have re-energised him heading into the side’s Six Nations campaign.
Scott Bemand’s outfit kick off their tournament with a trip to London to face world champions England at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, with over 67,000 tickets sold for the match, which is a tournament record.
Ireland will be aiming to build on the consistency they have shown in the past two editions of the championship, having finished third in 2024 and 2025, and put the heartbreak of their quarter-final World Cup exit to France behind them.
“The squad that has just been selected for the Six Nations, you look at it and think ‘this squad is going to be about for the next World Cup’,” Steenson told the Ireland Rugby Social.
“In theory, there are a couple who might not be there but from a point of view of age, wanting to get better and to learn, it is so enthusiastic to be around. I feel a resurgence of energy.
“They have given me a release of life. The best thing was, I didn’t have any baggage coming in and I see it for what it is.”
Former fly-half Steenson won the English Premiership twice and a European Cup during his 12-year spell at Exeter Chiefs and joined Ireland’s coaching staff in 2024.
Despite facing the side who have won seven straight Six Nations titles and have not lost since 2018, Steenson is content with Ireland’s first fixture.
“I think the most important thing is we go over there and fire shots. If ever there was a template – the men. What the men did in the Six Nations is exactly what we want to do,” he continued.
“I think it is a great way for us to start the tournament, I really do. It is an opportunity [to see] where England’s heads are at. The last time they played was a World Cup final. Is it going to be a homecoming for them? Maybe.
“For our girls, this is why you play the game, this is why I played the game, to play in these big days.”
