Former England flanker Maggie Alphonsi. Photo: Ramsey Cardy / Sportsfile

Former Ireland player Keith Earls told a story in a panel discussion at the Lidl Ladies National Football League launch at Croke Park on Tuesday about one player who his dad, Ger, told him to watch videos of to help improve his defence in his early years as a professional.

Earls took his dad’s advice and watched videos of England flanker Maggie Alphonsi and he noted the technique and appetite that ‘Maggie the Machine’ showed in defence.

Alphonsi was also a guest panellist at this week’s launch to help promote increased visibility of women’s sport, so when she heard Earls story, she was surprised at her previously unknown influence in the development of one of Ireland’s top players!

“I would go as far as saying I think everything Keith has achieved in his career is because of me! I’m just going to put it out there,” she laughed.

The 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup winner noted a more direct Red Roses influence on Irish rugby. Former England assistant Scott Bemand has helped transform the Ireland women’s team as head coach, finishing third in last year’s Six Nations and second in the WXV1 last autumn.

Alphonsi believes Ireland could be a big mover in this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

“You know what? They are serious contenders for that title. They have some brilliant athletes and they’re going to push hard. I’m really looking forward to the Six Nations to start off with to see where they finish up, because the WXV1 was really impressive.

“I’m really intrigued to see how Scott Bemand’s mind is thinking. He’s obviously taken stuff away from being with England but generally the whole support structure around this Ireland women’s side has definitely taken a shift forward.

“You just feel there is this mindset of ‘we can do it’ and I don’t know if we’ve seen that previously.

“I also think with World Cups [you] don’t count people out. Because everyone says England are the favourites, the reality is people have got to turn up on the day.”

Alphonsi thinks this year’s Women’s Six Nations will be very competitive. Ireland open their campaign against France in Belfast on Saturday, March 22.

“I don’t know how much England have pulled away, but it feels like they are on their own a little bit which we don’t want – regardless of the country that I used to play for – I want the women’s championship to remain competitive and I want every team to be fighting.

“What we’ve seen is other nations have really stepped up and caught up with France. I think this Six Nations is going to be a more competitive one. I think with it being a World Cup year as well, we might see some upsets.”