Ireland Rugby Co-Captain Edel McMahon Misses Six Nations After Knee Surgery

Edel McMahon, co-captain of the Ireland women's rugby team and a key player for Exeter Chiefs, will miss the entire 2025/26 season due to a knee injury requiring a second surgery. She sustained the injury during Ireland's final pool match against New Zealand at the recent Rugby World Cup and was unable to play in the quarter-final. McMahon will undergo knee surgery this weekend and is expected to miss the upcoming Guinness Women's Six Nations, including historic matches such as the standalone women’s international at Aviva Stadium. Exeter Chiefs' head coach Steve Salvin expressed disappointment but emphasized McMahon's determination to recover and contribute off the pitch during her rehabilitation. McMahon herself acknowledged the challenge of missing the season but is focused on recovery and returning stronger for the 2026/27 season. Her absence is a significant loss for both club and country given her leadership role and experience.