Injured Ireland forward Wall ruled out of World Cup

Ireland forward Dorothy Wall has been ruled out of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup with an Achilles tendon injury.

Wall, 24, sustained the injury during Ireland's final Women's Six Nations game against Scotland last weekend.

The Exeter Chiefs player, who can play as a lock or flanker was forced off early in Ireland's 26-19 loss.

"I'm devastated to be missing the next couple of months, but my main focus now is on my rehab programme and I'm looking forward to supporting the team in the Rugby World Cup," said Wall.

Former sevens player Wall has won 37 caps for the Ireland XVs since making her debut in 2020 and started four of Ireland's five Six Nations games this year.

Her injury is another significant blow for Ireland after back row Erin King was ruled out of the tournament with a serious knee injury earlier this month.

The 2025 World Cup takes place in England between 22 August and 27 September.

Ireland, who finished third in the Six Nations, will face Japan, Spain and New Zealand in the pool stage.

Scott Bemand's side will face Japan in their opening fixture on 24 August before games against Spain and New Zealand on 31 August and 7 September.

Before that, Ireland will have warm-up matches against Scotland in Cork on 2 August and Canada in Belfast on 9 August.

Ireland did not qualify for the 2021 World Cup and finished eighth when they hosted the tournament in 2017.