On the Ireland Rugby Social podcast, centre Eve Higgins and back Anna McGann unpacked their TikTok rise, a decade‑long friendship and the opening match of the 2026 Women’s Six Nations. The duo first crossed paths at a Dublin sevens camp at 16, later sharing a World Cup room and now swapping stories as Ireland face England at Allianz Stadium, and their growing social media presence.

England ran out 33-12 defeat, a record 77,120 crowd witnessing Ireland’s sluggish start. Higgins, who began the game at centre, blamed “uncharacteristic errors” for a 21‑0 half‑time deficit, while McGann, introduced from the bench, crossed for a try that proved merely a consolation. Coach Scott Bemand delivered a blunt post‑match review, urging players to tighten basics to sharpen their defensive shape before Saturday’s clash with Italy.

Their bond, forged in sevens and cemented through shared rooms, has helped both adapt to the 15‑side game amid a shifting pathway for Irish women’s rugby. With Bemand’s honesty and the pair’s renewed confidence, Ireland aim to translate “glimpses of what we could do” into a stronger performance against Italy, a test of their evolving cohesion and prove they belong among Europe’s elite.