Erin King was named Ireland’s captain at 22 after a year‑long knee injury that left her doubting her future. Coach Scott Bemand’s trust gave a player with only six caps a platform to lead the Green Wave in the Six Nations.

King’s journey began in Australia, ran through Dubai and Wicklow, and found a home in rugby, where she played Sevens at the Paris Olympics. The experience honed her composure under pressure, a quality that helped her score twice against New Zealand in WXV1.

A knee injury against England cost her the rest of the Six Nations and a World Cup spot, but she returned a year later, captaining Ireland to a victory over England before facing France. Her leadership style prioritises player wellbeing, aiming to turn small moments into collective magic.

With Ireland now in the top two of the Six Nations, King insists the squad can finish higher. Her story underscores resilience and the importance of nurturing talent through adversity.