Ireland head coach Scott Bemand says the upcoming WXV Global Series represents the beginning of a new cycle for his squad leading into the next Women's Rugby World Cup in three years' time. The Irish team were edged out by France at the quarter-final stage of last year's World Cup and finished third in the 2026 Six Nations, winning all three of their home matches. Ireland open their WXV Global Series campaign against the United States at Dublin's Tallaght Stadium on Sunday (13:45 BST). Bemand's side then face Japan in a double-header in Galway and Cork on 27 September and 3 October before WXV games against South Africa in Cape Town on 24 and 31 October.

"We're at the start of a World Cup cycle now. The Six Nations, we wanted to keep the momentum from the World Cup going and this is the sort of turning of the page," Bemand told reporters.

Looking three years ahead, Bemand emphasized the need to develop depth and integrate new talent. "We need to develop our depth and see who is coming through. Three years' time there is the potential of something like 28 caps to play for so if you're a new cap coming in now and you go to the World Cup you have the potential of 25-plus caps."

Second row Sam Monaghan has been ruled out with an Achilles injury, but Bemand says her absence opens a door for others to show what they can do. "It creates the next opportunity for the leader that's already in the group and the next second row to come through," he said.

The Ireland head coach believes his side can improve further if they continue to work hard, stating the team has the talent and capability to play a powerful, fast-paced brand of rugby. "It feels like we are on the cusp of something," Bemand added, noting the squad is starting to build strength on their shores.