Ireland suffer blow as Erin King ruled out of World Cup

Ireland flanker Erin King has been ruled out of the remainder of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations and upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup through injury.

King played the full 80 minutes of Ireland’s 49-5 defeat to England in Cork last Saturday, completing 17 tackles and winning four turnovers as the hosts briefly threatened an upset.

However, that performance has come at a cost with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirming on Thursday the flanker had suffered a serious knee injury at Virgin Media Park that requires surgery.

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

‘This Energy Never Stops’ – Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

“The IRFU can confirm that Erin King has unfortunately been ruled out of the remainder of Ireland’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations campaign and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 after suffering a knee injury in last weekend’s match against England,” a statement read.

“King will undergo surgery in Dublin today and begin her rehabilitation process under the expert guidance of the IRFU Medical Team at the IRFU High Performance Centre.”

Saturday’s match was only King’s seventh Test appearance for Ireland but the former sevens star, who went viral during the Paris 2024 Olympics, has become a key cog in Scott Bemand’s improving side.

King helped Ireland to only their second ever victory against the Black Ferns in WXV 1 in Canada last September, scoring two tries as a replacement in only her second Test.

The 21-year-old has since become a mainstay in the Irish back row and was named World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year at the end of 2024.

King had started all three of Ireland’s matches so far in the championship and had emerged as a real contender for the 2027 Lions Women tour of New Zealand.

“I’m heartbroken to have suffered a serious knee injury that means I will miss the rest of the Six Nations along with the Rugby World Cup,” King said.

“It feels very unfair right now but I’ve had the best few months with this team and I can’t wait to support in every way I can from the sidelines.

“It will be a long road ahead, but with the support I have from family, friends and team-mates around me, I will learn to accept that everything happens for a reason and if I stick to the process and rehab programme set out by the Medical Team, I’ll be back better.”