Edel McMahon to miss season after double surgery

Exeter Chiefs Women flanker Edel McMahon will miss the rest of the Premiership Women’s Rugby season and Ireland’s international fixtures as she recovers from knee surgeries.

The Ireland co-captain is scheduled for her second surgery this weekend and will spend the year focused on rehabilitation, targeting a return in the 2026/27 campaign.

Exeter head coach Steve Salvin said the loss is significant for both club and country. “We are gutted for Tricky. No one wants to see a player out for such a long time, but we know she’ll put in the work to come back stronger.

"She will remain with us throughout her rehab and continue to have a positive influence off the pitch.”

McMahon, who led Ireland alongside Sam Monaghan to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals earlier this year, said the decision was difficult but necessary.

She missed the quarter-final itself after suffering injury in the final pool game against New Zealand.

“It’s devastating to miss the season ahead, but this break has been needed for a while.

"My focus is on recovery and returning stronger. In the meantime, I’ll give everything I can to support the team from the sidelines.”