Ireland’s 2017 World Cup misery - what can be learned?

The tournament was hosted on Irish soil eight years ago

Listen | 34:01
Ireland’s Alison Miller in action against Japan in the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup at the UCD Bowl, Dublin. Photograph: Donall Farmer/PA Wire
Ireland’s Alison Miller in action against Japan in the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup at the UCD Bowl, Dublin. Photograph: Donall Farmer/PA Wire

Ireland’s last Women’s World Cup appearance came in 2017. It was supposed to be a crowning moment, a global tournament hosted on Irish soil. Instead, results on the field precipitated a decline off it. Eight years later - with one failed qualification attempt in between - Ireland finally return to the world stage.

What has changed in the last eight years? Are there lessons to be learned from the 2017 disappointment? How important a moment is it that Ireland are now back competing at World Cups?

Former player Lindsay Peat, current assistant coach Larissa Muldoon and Ireland hooker Clíodhna Moloney-MacDonald were all involved in 2017. They join host Nathan Johns to look back at the last eight years.

Produced by John Casey.

OUR PODCASTS