'I'd like to eventually have a good day in green' - Deirbhile Nic a Bháird relishing return

When Irish women's rugby finally had its day in the sun back in April, Deirbhile Nic a Bháird admits to feeling a tinge of disappointment.

The 15-12 win against Scotland in Belfast in the final round of the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations has the potential to be a game-changing result for this Irish team.

Not only did it secure them a place in the top tier of WXV later this month, but it also guaranteed them early qualification for next year’s World Cup in England, which buys them time to build and develop what is a young squad.

Nic a Bháird watched that game from the stands at Kingspan Stadium, while 12 months earlier she had been down in the trenches against the same opposition when Ireland reached rock-bottom, their 36-10 defeat to the Scots confirming a winless campaign and a first Six Nations wooden spoon since 2004.

The versatile forward carried a heavy load for Ireland in that 2023 Six Nations; her 70 carries were the second highest in the competition, while she ran for 468 metres which was the fourth most of any player. On the other side of the ball, her 45 defensive ruck arrivals ranked in the top three.

The reason the Munster number 8 hasn’t played for Ireland since April 2024 is an anterior cruciate ligament tear.

When she linked back up with the Ireland squad ahead of next Saturday’s Test against Australia, it was almost nine months to the day since she had surgery on her ACL, and the 28-year-old is desperate get back on the pitch in Belfast this week.

"It has been a tough year, no doubt about that," she said.

"Definitely a low point in my career, but between my friends and family, and the girls on the team it's been easier to get through."

In between some time playing Sevens, and a break from rugby during Covid,