Beibhinn Parsons: 'It was the ultimate year of sport for me'

Ireland winger Beibhinn Parsons says Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has brought clarity to the women's team after a successful 2024.

Bemand came into the side following Ireland missing out on qualification for the 2022 Rugby World Cup, and finishing bottom of the Six Nations in 2023.

However, in 2024, Ireland finished third in the Six Nations, securing qualification for the World Cup in England next summer, and defeated New Zealand in October in the WXV 1 series.

Looking back on the year, Parsons said Bemand has brought clarity to the side which she claims has always had the talent

"We always had such raw talent, and I think with the new coaching staff we have had so much clarity", says Parsons.

"Scott has put such an emphasis on training identity and competition in training, so we are building depth and people have to really fight for their position and that drives standards.

"It is like a snowball, it has just got bigger and bigger. We kicked off with WXV in tier 3 with Scott, and now in just his third campaign, we are able to fight with the big dogs.

"It all happened really quickly, but the raw talent was always there, and now we have so much clarity, direction and competition, it is all coming along quite quickly."

It has been quite the turn of fortunes for this Irish side, who suffered the heartbreak of being knocked out of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup .

Parsons, who has been involved with Ireland since her teenage years, said this was the lowest moment of her career.

"Parma for me sticks out, it was probably the sorest part of my career. Really having such high expectations to compete in a World Cup in New Zealand and then for it not to happen.

"It took a long time, you nearly need to grieve it. But now,