Ireland’s World Cup squad have offered their support to their teammate Shannon Ikahihifo after she revealed her breast cancer diagnosis. The Trailfinders second-row Ikahihifo, who has three Irish caps, was part of the pre-tournament training group but did not make the final squad.
On Friday the 30-year-old posted news of her condition on Instagram, writing: “Crazy to think that one day you can be running around on the rugby pitch feeling completely fine, then five days later you’re sitting in a hospital room being told you have cancer.
“ Still a little in shock if I’m honest, but I’m so blessed to have the most amazing husband, family and friends that always carry when things start to feel a bit heavy. Fair to say she’s been a pretty tough few weeks. But lucky we’re tougher.”
Ireland’s co-captain Edel McMahon, speaking before her side’s opening match against Japan on Sunday, praised Ikahihifo’s honesty as she shared the team’s backing. “We found out as a group a little bit earlier than everyone else heard, but we respected Shannon’s space that she wanted to deal with this herself and even get to terms with what the news is,” she said.
“A credit to her to be so brave to come out. It would be very easy to fall into the background and not say anything and not raise awareness herself. The full group are here to support her and we’re all thinking of her.”
Scotland’s meeting with Wales on Saturday afternoon has the hallmarks of one of the tournament’s most important pool games.
Canada are likely to win Pool B, meaning the Celtic clash in Salford may effectivelyin effect constitute a knockout game less than 24 hours after the tournament has kicksed off. The stakes are high, as is motivation for Scotland on multiple fronts.
They will be fuelled by a desire to erase the painful memory of the last World Cup, in 2022, when a first appearance in 12 years featured narrow losses to Australia and Wales and an exit at the pool stage. Hopes are high they can go at least one step further this time. That defeat by the Welsh came via a dramatic 86th-minute penalty from Keira Bevan. Revenge is on the mind for Scotland.
“There’s definitely still a sour taste in my mouth,” said Rachel Malcolm, Scotland’s captain, this week. “I think we probably underestimated how much relief we felt to just be there. I think this World Cup is different. We’ve gone back to back for the first time in a very long time in terms of qualifications.”
But the buildup has been turbulent to say the least. Bryan Easson, the head coach, confirmed last month he would leave after the tournament, and there has been a public dispute between Scottish Rugby and its players over contracts. The Scotland wing Rhona Lloyd said recently that “more than half” of the 32-strong squad do not have a deal after the World Cup.
Women’s rugby in Wales has endured similar problems in its early steps of professionalism but there is tentative optimism for this tournament after consecutive wooden spoons in the Six Nations. Sean Lynn’s arrival this year has brought renewed confidence that Wales are on the right lines, as did the drawn two-Test series against the Wallaroos in Australia.
“We’re on the right track. I set targets after the Six Nations to the players. They went away and have come back in better shape,” Lynn said. “The big emphasis is making sure that we can play with the intensity that I want.”
The game in Salford is part of the first double-header of the tournament on an opening weekend when all 16 teams are in action. SaturThe day begins with the second game in Pool A as Australia begin their bid to reach a first Women’s Rugby World Cup final. They take on Samoa at 12pm.
Later on Saturday two of the pre-tournament favourites, Canada and France, open their campaigns against Fiji and Italy respectively.
Brazil make their tournament debut on Sunday against South Africa. The defending champions, New Zealand, will close out the opening weekend in a 5.30pm kick-off against Spain in York.
