Aoife Wafer ruled out as Ireland select Beth Buttimer in matchday squad for first time

Aoife Wafer has been ruled out of Ireland’s WXV Global Series match against Japan after picking up a minor injury in training, BBC Sport reported. The back-row forward will miss Sunday’s game in Galway, with head coach Scott Bemand making six changes to the team beaten by the United States in its series opener.

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Wafer’s absence removes the player who won the Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship award for a second successive year in 2026. World Rugby’s official series guide identified the 23-year-old as Ireland’s key player heading into the competition. The BBC report did not specify the nature of the injury or provide a return date.

Bemand has named Beth Buttimer in Ireland’s matchday 23 for the first time. The uncapped, 21-year-old hooker is among the replacements and could make her Test debut if introduced. According to the BBC, her selection follows impressive performances for Munster in the Women’s Interprovincial Championship, giving the bench a potential new international.

There is also a first Ireland start for Eilís Cahill, who has been selected in the front row. Neve Jones comes in at hooker, while Brittany Hogan is brought into the back row. Those three changes to the starting pack are matched by three alterations among the backs in Bemand’s announced team.

Connacht players Beibhinn Parsons, Anna McGann and Aoibheann Reilly all come into the backline. Parsons is selected on the wing, McGann at centre and Reilly at scrum-half. Ireland’s listed replacements also include Linda Djougang and Aoife Dalton, alongside Buttimer, as Bemand reshapes the matchday group after the opening defeat.

Ireland lost 40-36 to the United States in Tallaght last Sunday despite having led 31-12. Four consecutive American tries turned that match around in the second half.

Ireland entered the series after finishing third in this year’s Women’s Six Nations. World Rugby lists the Japan fixture for September 27 at Galway’s Dexcom Stadium. The WXV Global Series uses a cross-regional touring format with home and away matches, placing this selection announcement within Ireland’s opening set of fixtures in the new competition.