In a significant blow to Ireland's Rugby World Cup aspirations, flanker Dorothy Wall has been ruled out of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup due to an Achilles tendon injury. The 24-year-old sustained the injury during Ireland's final Women's Six Nations game against Scotland last weekend.

Wall, who plays for Exeter Chiefs and can operate as a lock or flanker, was forced off early in Ireland's 26-19 loss. She expressed her devastation, stating, "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."

Since her debut in 2020, Wall has earned 37 caps for the Ireland XVs and started four of Ireland's five Six Nations games this year. Her absence adds to Ireland's challenges, following the earlier loss of back row Erin King to a serious knee injury.

The 2025 World Cup, scheduled to take place in England from August 22 to September 27, will see Ireland face Japan, Spain, and New Zealand in the pool stage. Ireland's campaign begins with a match against Japan on August 24, followed by games against Spain and New Zealand on August 31 and September 7, respectively.

Before the World Cup, Ireland will play warm-up matches against Scotland in Cork on August 2 and Canada in Belfast on August 9. Ireland, who finished third in the Six Nations, did not qualify for the 2021 World Cup and finished eighth when they hosted the tournament in 2017.

Wall's injury underscores the physical demands of rugby and the impact of player absences on team dynamics. As Ireland prepares for the World Cup, the focus will be on recovery and strategic adjustments to mitigate the loss of key players.