World Cup opener a 'huge opportunity' - Costigan

Amee Leigh Costigan captained Ireland during the Six Nations

Women's Rugby World Cup 2025: Ireland v Japan

Venue: Franklin's Gardens Date: Sunday, 24 August Kick-off: 12:00 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Online and BBC Sounds

Wing Amee Leigh Costigan says Ireland will be out to begin their Women's Rugby World Cup campaign on "the right foot" against Japan on Sunday.

Scott Bemand's side will kick off Pool C in what will be their first World Cup game in eight years after missing out on the tournament in New Zealand in 2022.

Ireland will also face Spain and New Zealand with the meeting against the world champions, who they beat in November during WXV1, figuring to be key.

Costigan, however, says all focus is on Japan.

"I see it as a huge opportunity for us," said Costigan.

"At the moment, all our eyes are set on Japan. It's the first game and we really want to go in there and put our best performance out.

"You want to start off on the right foot and I think that's what's important to us now."

Ireland lost their final warm-up against Canada in Belfast but the 30-year-old Costigan, who was an Olympian with the sevens side in Paris last year, believes the game against the side ranked number two in the world was good preparation.

While the hosts started slowly, and were 33-7 behind at half-time, they were much improved after the turn in the 47-26 reverse.

"We put it up to them for a lot of that game and put them under pressure at times, which is really good to see," said Costigan.

"We'll be striving for that 80-minute performance against Japan. It'll be something that we will really hone in on, how we start off the game.

"It's really important, you know, to not be putting ourselves under that much pressure."