Enya Breen: 'We're not going to rest on where we are now'

Enya Breen says Ireland have no intention of sitting still as they look to follow up their impressive WXV campaign at next summer's World Cup in England.

Scott Bemand’s side will have familiar opposition at the tournament, which gets under way next August, drawn to face New Zealand, Japan and Spain in Pool C.

It’s just under three weeks since Ireland pulled off one of the biggest shocks in modern women’s rugby when they defeated the world champion Black Ferns 29-27 in their WXV opener in Vancouver, and while they were beaten by Canada a week later, last week’s win against USA secured a second-place finish in the tournament.

The team’s stock price has risen considerably during 2024. It got off to a rocky start with defeats to France and Italy, but five wins in their last seven games have seen them climb up from tenth to sixth in the world rankings.

And Breen, who captained the side in their last two games, says they’re only getting started.

"We’re not going to rest on where we are now," the Munster centre said, as she reacted to the Pool stage draw for Rugby World Cup 2025.

Ireland’s rematch with New Zealand was one of the big headlines from the draw which took place in London on Thursday evening.

The Black Ferns were accused of complacency when they were stunned by Ireland in the WXV opener in late September, and while Breen admits they will be facing a better New Zealand side in Pool C next year, she’s also predicting Ireland will have moved up another gear.

"I think that’s part of the game, isn't it? You get to have a look at one person, they get to have a look back at you.

"I think, yes, they saw us two weeks ago, but that’s not going to be the same us that will be taking to the pitch in a year’s time. That’s the exact same