Dalton feared for Ireland future after first Six Nations

Having beaten Wales by a combined 57 points in the past two Women's Six Nations, Ireland may be favourites for Saturday's game in Belfast, but Aoife Dalton has a good reason for never giving the Welsh anything but her full focus.

Ireland were beaten 31-5 in Cardiff in Dalton's Six Nations debut in 2023.

Because of games like that, Dalton says there is no chance of Ireland falling into "the complacency trap".

Now 23 and established as Ireland's first-choice outside centre, Dalton admits she feared for her international career after a difficult 2023 tournament in which Ireland lost all five games.

"I've had a lot of ups and downs. That was a terrible Six Nations, I didn't think I'd play for Ireland again after that," she said.

"The following year I was on the bench but I just tried to push on and develop my game. The coaches and the girls have facilitated that. The position I play, there's a lot depth there across 12 and 13 so everyone's kept on their toes."

Dalton made her international debut in 2022 and was voted player of the year by her peers at last year's Rugby Players Ireland Awards.

She also started all four of Ireland's World Cup games in England last year after making her World Cup debut in the opening game of the tournament in their 42-14 win against Japan as her influence on the Irish side continues to grow.

"People might look from the outside and think it's easy but it's definitely come with its ups and downs.

"I feel like everyone goes through that and it's a different journey for everyone. I don't think anyone's ever safe from being put on the bench or outside the 23.

"I've just learned the best way around it is to focus on yourself and try not to let any outside factors to come in and mess with your head."

With defeats by England and France either side of a victory over Italy, Ireland are aiming to close out the campaign with home wins over Wales and Scotland.

But Dalton insists the Welsh will bring confidence to Belfast after scoring four tries against world champions England last time out.

"I'm sure that gave them a huge lift and once they get their rolling maul going, they're hard to stop.

"But we're just trying to put our performance out there and control what we can control."