Scott Bemand has spoken openly about Aoife Wafer’s return to form ahead of the Women’s Six Nations clash with Italy. After a muted performance against England, the 23‑year‑old back‑rower suffered an injury‑laden 2025 that delayed her debut for Harlequins. Bemand insists the player remains a key threat when she’s on the ball.

England’s dominance left Wafer with limited touch before she was pulled after 61 minutes. Training sessions this week have shown a noticeable uptick in her fitness and decision‑making, according to Bemand. The coach highlighted that a tighter midfield and better set‑piece execution could unlock her impact against a rejuvenated Italy side.

Last year’s 54‑12 rout over Italy in Parma set a high bar for the Irish squad. Bemand warned that the Italians, who lost 40‑7 to France, have sharpened their structure and tactical awareness. A win would cement Ireland’s position at the summit of the Six Nations and keep pressure on the traditional powerhouses.

With the Six Nations calendar tightening, Ireland’s focus shifts to extracting every ounce of performance from its core. Bemand’s confidence in Wafer signals a strategic pivot toward a more aggressive back‑row presence. The upcoming match in Galway will test whether that shift translates into points on the scoreboard and a decisive edge over Italy.