Ireland women's rugby has been dealt a significant blow as rising back row talent Erin King has been ruled out of the Women's Rugby World Cup later this year due to a knee injury. The 21-year-old, who was named World Rugby's Breakthrough Player of the Year for 2024, suffered the injury during Ireland's defeat to England in Cork.
King, an Olympian who featured at Paris 2024, had made a seamless transition from sevens to the 15-a-side format. She played a key role in Ireland's shock victory over New Zealand in the WXV competition and had started in the first three rounds of the Women's Six Nations.
In a statement, King expressed her devastation: 'I’m heartbroken to have suffered a serious knee injury that means I will miss the rest of the Six Nations along with the Rugby World Cup. It feels very unfair right now but I’ve had the best few months with this team and I can’t wait to support in every way I can from the sidelines.'
The injury is a major setback for head coach Scott Bemand, who has overseen a dramatic improvement in Ireland's fortunes since taking charge at the start of 2024. Ireland thrashed Italy in round two and pushed tournament heavyweights England and France close for periods. They face Wales in Newport this weekend.
King added: 'It will be a long road ahead, but with the support I have from family, friends and team-mates around me, I will learn to accept that everything happens for a reason and if I stick to the process and rehab programme set out by the medical team, I’ll be back better.'
