Ireland number eight Aoife Wafer signs for Harlequins

Michael Bolton

Ireland number eight Aoife Wafer will join English Premiership side Harlequins after the Rugby World Cup.

The Wexford native follows her international teammates Dorothy Wall, Neve Jones and Edel McMahon in making the move to English clubs in recent years.

Wafer was named the 2025 Women's Six Nations Player of the Year by popular vote on Monday, becoming the first Irish player to receive the accolade.

She made her Ireland debut in 2022 against Italy and has since gone on to become a key figure in the Ireland team helping to secure consecutive third place finishes in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, as well as qualification for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Wafer currently plays for Blackrock College and Leinster.

Speaking about her move to Harlequins, Wafer said, “The history that the Club is steeped in is something that really stood out to me. I’m really looking forward to being here and I can’t wait to get going. This league has all the star players in the world in it. I want to be the best player in the world, and I can’t wait to test myself out against those stars every week,”

“I was very lucky to come over to a game a few months ago and meet some of the girls and the family values were something that really stood out to me. That’s really important to me, and I know that my family will be well looked after over here as well.”

IRFU Head of Women’s Performance & Pathways Gillian McDarby said, “We’re pleased for Aoife as she takes this next step in her career with Harlequins, where she will have the opportunity to further her development in a high-performance environment.

“Her journey is a testament to the investment and progress within the Irish system, which continues to produce talent capable of performing at the highest level. We look forward to continue working with Aoife in green during the international windows.”