Gold Coast SUNS AFLW star Niamh McLaughlin has been named to represent Ireland in the upcoming 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match.
With eight Irish talents unveiled on Sunday, the AFL has today confirmed McLaughlin in the 25-player squad set to don the green and orange at North Sydney Oval on Saturday, 1 August.
In just her third season, the former Donegal skipper and Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) Footballer of the Year became the first Irish athlete to captain an AFL/AFLW side before earning her maiden All Australian honours.
Deployed across both the midfield and backline, the SUNS pocket rocket averaged a career-high 23.3 disposals at 72.9% efficiency whilst also leading the AFLW for total bounces for the second time.
The Moville native said she was honoured to represent her home country alongside the league’s top Irish talents.
“Being so far from home and having the chance to represent the girls around you and the girls that have been out here, (creates) a sense of togetherness,” McLaughlin said.
“Even though we’re on different teams, you always like to see the girls doing well and once you pull on that Irish jersey and work together it’s like you’ve known each other for ages. The Irish link up well and we’re real predictable to ourselves, so I’m really looking forward to it.
“Football back home is a big community sport. It’s about where you’re from, your parish, your family, your friends and the people you grew up with. So, to have a wee bit of that over here now and represent those people is also really cool.”
Gold Coast SUNS General Manager of Women’s Football Erin Phillips said the club was thrilled for the SUNS co-captain.
“We’re incredibly proud to see Niamh earn the opportunity to represent Ireland,” Phillips said.
“Pulling on the Irish jumper is a proud moment for her and her family and it’s a great recognition of the impact she’s making in the game.
“Niamh is a much-loved leader and most importantly person at the SUNS and we’re all looking forward to seeing her showcase her talent on the big stage.”
Tickets to the first professional international match of Australian Rules football are on sale from Wednesday, 24 June via Ticketmaster. Club and AFL members will have ticket access from 10am AEST, before the general public at 12pm AEST.
Catch all the action live from 4:15pm AEST on Saturday, 1 August across Fox Footy, Kayo Sports, Kayo Freebies and Binge.
