Bemand backs Wafer after 'quiet' Six Nations start

Wafer was withdrawn 61 minutes into Ireland's 33-12 loss to England last week [Getty Images]

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand says Aoife Wafer is "determined" to rediscover her best form in Saturday's Women's Six Nations game against Italy after a "quiet" afternoon in last week's defeat by England.

Having established herself as one of Ireland's star players, Wafer endured an injury-hit 2025, which impacted her World Cup and delayed her debut for Harlequins, who she joined from Leinster.

England's dominance ensured Wafer saw little of the ball before she was withdrawn after 61 minutes, but Bemand is expecting a more productive afternoon for the 23-year-old back row against the Italians in Galway.

"Maybe she's human. She's a great player, so driven," said Bemand.

"Look, she did have a quiet game. It was a tougher game to get her into. If you look at the first half, I think it was Anna [McGann] who said we sat down and watched the opportunities that went by.

"It's important to acknowledge them. If you don't get through enough phases or sets, you miss the opportunity to get your best players on the ball."

Bemand added that Wafer is in a "good space" and has impressed in training this week.

"She's had a look, we've had a look at how we can get her on the ball in better spaces so I'm excited for you guys to see what she can do when hits the ground this weekend," he added.

Wafer will be part of an Ireland team aiming to emulate last year's superb 54-12 win over Italy in Parma.

But Bemand has warned that Italy, who lost 40-7 to France last week, are much improved compared to 12 months ago.

"I think the Italians are better than they were. They're a well-coached group.

"You can see they have a plan. It wasn't that long ago when the Italians maybe played in a slightly more chaotic way.

"But rugby over there, it's probably shown in the men's side, it's improving across the board and we say about a rising tide floats all boats and the Italian women are more organised, understand the plan and what they're trying to do."