Players send support after Ireland rugby star reveals cancer diagnosis

Wishing her a speedy recovery.

The New Zealand-born back row qualified to play for Ireland through her maternal grandmother being born in Kilkenny before emigrating to New Zealand with her parents.

The 30-year-old made her Ireland debut during Ireland’s 36-5 victory over Wales in the 2024 Guinness Women’s Six Nations after impressive performances for her club Trailfinders Women in England.

She has three Irish caps to her name, most recently being involved with the Irish squad in June as part of the wider training panel.

Breaking the news on her personal Instagram account, Ikahihifo said, "Crazy to think that one day you can be running around on the rugby pitch feeling completely fine, then five days later you're sitting in a hospital room being told you have cancer.

"Still a little in shock if I'm honest, but I'm so blessed to have the most amazing husband, family, and friends that always carry when things start to feel a bit heavy.

"Fair to say she's been a pretty tough few weeks. But lucky we're tougher."

Irish co-captain Edel McMahon issued the message of support at the Irish team hotel just outside Northampton as Ireland continue to prepare for their Pool C opener with Japan at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday afternoon.

McMahon revealed, "We found out as a group a little bit earlier than everyone else heard, but we respected Shannon's space that she wanted to deal with this herself and even get to terms with what the news is.

"A credit to her to be so brave to come out. It would be very easy to fall into the background and not say anything and not raise awareness herself.

“I know Breast Cancer Awareness is actually happening next month, but the full group are here to support her, and we're all thinking of her.

"But at the same time, she's so selfless in that she didn't want to distract from rugby itself and all of the good work that's going on for World Rugby and this campaign.

"She was like, 'I don't want [this] to be about me,' but that's Shannon to a T.

"The squad are definitely thinking of her and we're here to support her whatever that looks like."