Rugby World Cup 2021 Draw Live
Katie O'Dwyer, Neve Jones and Brittany Hogan were Ireland's three new caps on the night at Energia Park ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Ireland will have to wait a while longer to compete for the one of the final qualifying spots but in the meantime the draw for the Rugby World Cup 2021, which takes place tonight, will show the challenge that may lie in store.
Ireland were due to face Scotland, Italy and one from Spain or Russia in the qualifying tournament in December.
The Unions are working with World Rugby and Rugby Europe to set a suitable date in 2021 to complete the process ahead of what promises to be an exciting tournament that builds on the success of the ground breaking 2017 tournament held here in Ireland.
Ireland continue their preparations for 2021 with more training camps at the IRFU High Performance Centre. Speaking at last Saturday’s camp, Director of Women’s and Sevens Rugby, Anthony Eddy said the squad are putting the work in over the coming weeks to make the most of their opportunities in 2021.
“Moving forward into 2021, we’ve still got to prepare for the six nations and also look at the window of when we’re going to squeeze in the World Cup qualification process.
“We’re working with World Rugby and Rugby Europe at the moment around what that process will be. Hopefully we can finalise it over the next couple of weeks.”