After remarkable progress in recent seasons, Ireland's women's rugby team enters the 2025 Six Nations with newfound confidence and championship ambitions. Scrum-half Emily Lane speaks about harnessing the growing support behind their 'green wave' movement.

Ireland's Remarkable Transformation

• From Wooden Spoon in 2023 to World Cup qualifiers in 2024
• Historic victory over New Zealand at WXV1
• Two Six Nations wins last season (3rd place finish)
• Preparing for 2025 World Cup campaign

The French Challenge

Ireland faces a stern test against tournament favorites France:

• Ireland have lost 19 of 22 Six Nations meetings
• Six consecutive defeats by 20+ points
• Potential World Cup quarterfinal preview
• France finished runners-up last 5 seasons

New Leadership

With injuries affecting the squad:

• Amee-Leigh Costigan takes captaincy
• Olympic experience from Paris 2024
• Previous leadership in sevens rugby
• Supported by veterans McMahon and Monaghan

Key Player Perspectives

Emily Lane (Scrum-half):

"Performances will bring supporters along on our green wave. We want as many people on board as possible - it's gaining momentum."

Amee-Leigh Costigan (Captain):

"This would be a huge statement win. We've to stick to our gameplan and give fans something to cheer."

Match Details

• Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Belfast
• Date: Saturday, 22 March
• Kick-off: 13:00 GMT
• Coverage: BBC platforms

Tactical Outlook

Ireland will look to:

• Build on recent home wins (Scotland, Australia)
• Capitalize on growing fan support
• Implement lessons from WXV1 success
• Test themselves against elite competition

A victory would mark Ireland as genuine Six Nations contenders and send a powerful message ahead of September's World Cup.