Ireland Women's head coach Scott Bemand has articulated a clear message regarding his squad's ambition, stating they remain 'hungry to get better'. This sentiment comes as the team reflects on a period of substantial transformation over the past two years, marked by the integration of numerous youthful talents into the national setup.
Bemand's tenure has seen a deliberate shift towards nurturing a new generation of players, a strategy necessitated by a combination of retirements and a long-term vision for the team's sustained success. This focus on youth development has led to a dynamic and evolving squad, with many players gaining valuable international experience in recent campaigns.
The coach highlighted the significant progress made by the team, acknowledging the challenges and learning curves inherent in developing a relatively inexperienced group at the highest level of international rugby. Despite the changes, the commitment to improvement and a collective desire to elevate their performance levels remains a central tenet of the team's philosophy.
This ongoing drive for betterment is crucial as Ireland looks ahead to future competitions and aims to solidify its position within the competitive landscape of women's rugby. The emphasis on continuous learning and development underscores Bemand's long-term strategy for building a resilient and formidable squad capable of competing with the sport's top nations.
The integration of fresh talent, coupled with the experience of a few established players, is intended to create a balanced and adaptable team. Bemand's comments suggest that while progress has been made, there is a clear understanding that the journey of improvement is never truly complete, and the squad is fully committed to the work required to reach their full potential.