'Full circle' for Wafer in Scotland game at Aviva

Ireland back row Aoife Wafer said Sunday's Women's Six Nations game against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium will be a "full circle moment".

Wafer was in the crowd when Ireland last played at the Dublin venue as they picked up a five-try victory over Italy in 2014 which formed part of a Six Nations double-header alongside the men's team.

More than 30,000 tickets have been sold for the women's team's first stand-alone game at the Aviva and Wafer is "grateful" to get the opportunity to play in this one.

However, she warned Ireland cannot let the occasion get to them as they chase a third successive home win against a wounded Scotland side.

"I'm buzzing to get out there. I was one of the few that were in the stadium in 2014 when the Irish women last played there," she said.

"To remember those moments of post-game, interacting with the players and the good win they had that day too, it stood with me forever and now it's nearly a full-circle moment to get out on to the pitch myself, so I'm very grateful to get the opportunity.

"You can't let your mind slip into the massive occasion it's going to be because Scotland are a class side and if you let them into the game, they'll take a lot from you."

Wafer striving to be more 'dominant' in attack and defence

Image caption,

Wafer was named player of the match in Ireland's bonus-point win over Wales

Wafer, who was named 2025 Women's Six Nations player of the tournament, had a slow start to this year's competition, but has rediscovered her best form as the campaign has gone on.

The Harlequins flanker has registered three tries and is third for the most carries in the competition, picking up the player of the match award after an impressive display in the 33-12 win over Wales last weekend.

While the 23-year-old "felt good" about her performance in Belfast, she said there is room for improvement in certain areas as it was "definitely not a complete performance".

"I left a few per cent out in certain parts of my game and sat down with the coaches afterwards and there's still a lot for me to chase and be a better player for the team. I'm excited to get the chance to do that at the weekend," Wafer added.