Ireland's number eight Aoife Wafer will represent English Premier League side Harlequins after the Rugby World Cup.
The Wexford native follows teammates Dorothy Wall, Neve Jones and Edel McMahon in signing for English clubs in recent years.
On Monday, Waifer was voted the 2025 Six Nations Women's Player of the Year, becoming the first Irish sportswoman to win the award.
She made her first appearance for Ireland in 2022 against Italy and has since established herself as a key player, helping her side to a third consecutive Guinness Women's Six Nations title as well as securing qualification for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
Wafer currently represents Blackrock College and the University of Leinster.
Commenting on her move to Harlequins, Wafer said: “The history that the club has really stands out to me. I’m really looking forward to being here and can’t wait to get started. This league has the best players in the world. I’m aiming to be one of the best players in the world and I want to test myself against these stars every week.”
“I was lucky enough to go to a game a few months ago and meet some of the girls, and the family values of the club really impressed me. That's very important to me, and I'm sure my family will be looked after here as well.”
IRFU Head of Women's Performance and Development Gillian McDarby commented: “We are delighted for Aoife as she takes the next step in her career by joining Harlequins where she will have the opportunity to continue her development in a high-performance environment.
“Her journey is testament to the investment and progress in the Irish system, which continues to produce talent capable of performing at the highest level. We look forward to continuing to work with Aoife in green during the international windows.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
