'Air of positivity' around new-look Ireland - Edel McMahon

Ireland have put the past behind them under their new coaching ticket, according to back row Edel McMahon.

Last year's failure to qualify for the Rugby World Cup sparked a high-profile review into how women's rugby is run in Ireland, which has led to huge changes both on and off the pitch.

Head coach Greg McWilliams took charge in January, replacing Adam Griggs - who stepped down following the November Test wins against Japan and USA - while key team leaders Ciara Griffin, Lindsay Peat and Claire Molloy all retired in the months that followed the World Cup debacle.

And with other notable veterans Cliodhna Moloney, Sene Naoupu and Anna Caplice left out of the squad for the TikTik Women's Six Nations, it leaves the current Irish team light on experience.

The upheaval of the last eight months leaves McMahon as one of the more experienced players in the current squad, despite the fact the Clare native earned just her 15th Test cap in Saturday's first-round defeat to Wales.

The team dynamic is similar to the one Stephen Kenny found when he took charge of the Republic of Ireland soccer team in 2020, picking up the pieces after the side had fallen to their lowest ebb in years, and having to build with an inexperienced squad.

And while Kenny's side had to endure some difficult times in the last 18 months, they appear to have come through that experience as a far better team, one which has recaptured the attention of the general public.

Similar to Kenny, new Ireland women's head coach McWilliams is putting a skills-based stamp on the team, one which will take time to develop, but there were signs of promise in the 27-19 loss against Wales.

"I was disappointed, obviously, with the loss, but I definitely came away from the game knowing