Analysis
Internationals Womens
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Contributors
Nathan Johns
Nathan is a rugby journalist originally from Ireland but now based in the UK. Formerly of The Irish Times, he has covered the Six Nations, Champions Cup, URC, Gallagher Premiership and the 2023 World Cup to date. He is also a rugby broadcaster and current host of The Counter Ruck podcast.
27 Articles
Latest
Internationals Womens
Talking points: Ireland dealt serious setback with USA defeat in WXV
36 days ago
Internationals Womens
Black Ferns player ratings v Scotland | WXV Global Series 2026
37 days ago
Internationals Womens
2026 WXV Global Series preview: Ireland
38 days ago
Internationals Womens
2026 WXV Global Series preview: USA Women's Eagles
40 days ago
Opinion
France player ratings v Black Ferns | WXV Global Series 2026
France suffered a 28-14 defeat to the Black Ferns in the opening fixture of their WXV Global Series campaign.
Nathan Johns
12 Sep 2026, 11:55
1
Interview
Unapologetically Bella: Meet the USA Women' Eagles newest emerging superstar
Seven minutes into her international debut, Bella Vogel found herself in a position dreaded by most out-halves.
Nathan Johns
10 Jul 2026, 4:00
1
Interview
Why Alisha and Jasmine Joyce wanted to play domestic rugby in Wales next season
In choosing to leave Bristol Bears and return to Wales, Jasmine and Alisha Joyce made a clear decision: family over career. At lea…
Nathan Johns
25 Jun 2026, 6:00
Opinion
Ireland v Scotland | Talking points from a record-breaking day at Aviva Stadium
A record-breaking day for Ireland saw them end their Guinness Women's Six Nations campaign on a high with a dominant 54-5 victory …
Nathan Johns
17 May 2026, 9:22
Interview
Fiona Hayes: 'It was just unbelievable to be in the Aviva'
March 8th, 2014. Most people watching rugby in Dublin 12 years ago have one dominant memory - that giant banner of Brian O’Drisc…
Nathan Johns
16 May 2026, 0:25
Opinion
Ireland v Wales | Talking points as Aoife Wafer proves to be point of difference
Aoife Wafer impressed with her passing game and Wales were competitive up to a point as Ireland ran out 33-12 winners in Belfast
Nathan Johns
09 May 2026, 13:12
Opinion
Ireland player ratings v France | 2026 Guinness Women's Six Nations
Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald was Ireland's standout performer and only try-scorer as their wait for a win over France goes on.
Nathan Johns
25 Apr 2026, 15:25
3
Opinion
Ireland player ratings v Italy | 2026 Guinness Women's Six Nations
So far as homecoming go a 57-20 win is not a bad one for Ireland. Beaten in Round 1 of the 2026 Guinness Women's Six Nations by En…
Nathan Johns
18 Apr 2026, 12:34
2
Ireland player ratings v England | 2026 Women's Six Nations
Perhaps a crowd of over 77,000 thousand was not what the women in green are used to, but with many established and accomplished pl…
Nathan Johns
11 Apr 2026, 8:59
1
Analysis
Could Ireland's mixed PWR and Celtic Challenge exposure lead to Six Nations rewards?
Given Ireland’s ever increasing PWR involvement, how well prepared will Scott Bemand’s side be ahead of this weekend’s Six N…
Nathan Johns
08 Apr 2026, 2:04
1
Interview
Hanratty's Eagles era set to begin: What can we expect from underdogs USA in Pac Four?
On Saturday 11th April, Hanratty’s first game in charge of the USA Eagles brings a difficult task as the Black Ferns come to Sac…
Nathan Johns
07 Apr 2026, 4:41
Opinion
Why Celtic Challenge may not be an appealing enough competition for Ireland players
There are signs throughout the game that players are not in love with the Celtic Challenge. The resulting question focuses on the …
Nathan Johns
19 Jan 2026, 4:44
2
Opinion
Top 5 players of 2025: Ireland Women
There are plenty to chose from when compiling a list of who had the biggest impact in green across 2025. Here are Ireland’s top …
Nathan Johns
17 Dec 2025, 1:00
IRFU announces two Ireland stars to join the PWR
Niamh O’Dowd and Brittany Hogan have become the latest Irish internationals to sign for clubs in Premiership Women’s Rugby.
Nathan Johns
26 Nov 2025, 2:12
Opinion
'The IRFU has plenty of construction work on its plate': Where do Ireland go from here?
Four years ago, Irish tears were caused by a failure to qualify for the global showpiece. A top eight return coming off the back o…
Nathan Johns
17 Sep 2025, 8:54
2
'You can see it in the players' faces...We're gutted, we're heartbroken'
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand expressed pride in his side’s performance after a narrow 18-13 World Cup quarter-final defeat to…
Nathan Johns
15 Sep 2025, 4:57
Analysis
Analysis: Can Ireland turn it around in time for France quarter-final?
Attack. Defence. Set-piece. Kicking, Ireland were second best in every facet of the game against New Zealand. Can Ireland improve …
Nathan Johns
12 Sep 2025, 3:23
Interview
‘We’ve got nothing to lose’ – Ireland face Black Ferns in Pool C decider
Ireland and New Zealand have only met three times in the women’s game. Such a statement of fact jars, given the rugby pedigree o…
Nathan Johns
04 Sep 2025, 10:11
Interview
'We’ve got firepower' – Bemand hails Ireland after Spain scare
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand emphasised the positive result after a nervy victory over Spain at Franklin’s Gardens.
Nathan Johns
01 Sep 2025, 8:50
Opinion
Ireland given 'almighty fright': Four takeaways from Ireland v Spain
Ireland bettered their points total from their World Cup opener but not the performance as they struggled to a 43-27 victory over …
Nathan Johns
31 Aug 2025, 6:24
