The Six Nations 2026 women's rugby tournament is set to be a landmark event, with Eve Higgins, a key player for Ireland, reflecting on the growth of the sport and the potential for the Aviva Stadium to become a regular home ground. Higgins' personal journey is a testament to the sport's evolution, having grown up attending women's rugby matches in Ashbourne before heading to the men's game in Dublin. The shift in attendance numbers is remarkable, with the upcoming match against Scotland at the Lansdowne Road venue expected to attract over 28,000 fans, a significant increase from the previous record of 9,206. This surge in interest is part of a broader trend, as evidenced by the record-breaking attendance of 77,120 at Twickenham's Aviva Stadium for Ireland's opening game against England. Higgins acknowledges the significance of this milestone, stating that it is 'extremely special' and hopes it will be the first of many such occasions. The Irish team's performance has been a mix of success and frustration, with home wins over Italy and Wales, and respectable performances against England and France. Despite the setbacks, Higgins notes a collective hunger within the team to improve and push boundaries. The final round of the tournament presents a challenging task, as Ireland aims to secure a perfect home record with three wins from three matches. Higgins highlights the competitive nature of the upcoming game against Scotland, a team with whom Ireland has had close encounters in recent years. She emphasizes the physicality and pride of both teams, making it a crucial test for Ireland's Six Nations campaign. The article concludes by underscoring the importance of this tournament in the development of women's rugby, with Higgins' personal experiences and the sport's growing popularity serving as a powerful reminder of its potential for future success.
