THE dream of the Rugby World Cup has finally come true. After not qualifying last time out, in tragic fashion against Scotland, it was a battle to get fit in time for Beibhinn Parsons.

The explosive winger who plays for Connacht broke her leg twice last year and had to fight back from these serious injuries. Yet, Beibhinn still made the squad for the tournament:
“It makes the nomination a bit more special,” Parsons said, speaking to The Mayo News before heading over to England.

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“It gives me so much empathy for anyone else that has been injured and and also for the girls that the cards were not stacked in their favour and they've actually missed out on the World Cup through injury. It gives me a lot of understanding for what they feel. I just really want to savour every moment of the World Cup that I get because you never know what's around the corner.”

Beibhinn Parsons might have been born and raised in Galway, hailing from Ballinasloe. But her Mayo connections are strong:
“My dad's a proud Mayo man so it's definitely ingrained in us that we're Mayo supporters even though we live in Galway.”

Former Mayo footballer Tom Parsons is her cousin as well, so it was no surprise that Beibhinn played Gaelic football a lot when she was younger.

Rugby World Cup 2025 in England

In the coming weeks, the 23-year-old will get the opportunity to face off with the mighty Black Ferns, the reigning World champions.

“Getting a crack at a tier one nation is really exciting. New Zealand are at the top of their game heading into the World Cup. We've seen what the girls did to them last year when Ireland beat New Zealand. It's sort of answering that all versus belief and believing that if we get our game plan right we can come out on top.”

Last year at the annual women's rugby tournament 'WXV', Ireland made headlines by sensationally beating hosts New Zealand 29-27 thanks to a last-minute try.

It'll be a feat to emulate for an Irish team that has been steadily building towards this World Cup. Even though Parsons was sidelined for most of last season, she never lost sight of the big target:

“I had a brilliant physio. He prepared me for anything that could come my way, really boosted my confidence in hard times and he still texts me and congratulates me after each game. He said you might come in bottom of the pecking order but if you get yourself right you can work your way up.”

Beibhinn Parsons is ready to roll and she will be extremely proud, when she steps on the pitch this Sunday, against Japan in Northampton.

“Anytime I can pull on a green jersey it's a dream come true,” Beibhinn said: “To be able to represent it on the world stage with such a talented group is beyond my wildest dreams.”

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