BRITTANY HOGAN HOLDS an important role within the Ireland squad. As well as being a key figure in the back row, the Down native has the responsibility of controlling the music in the Ireland dressing room.

After kicking-off their World Cup campaign with a comprehensive defeat of Japan on Sunday, Hogan’s post-game soundtrack had her teammates singing along to Kingfishr’s ‘Killeagh’ – a tune which has become a go-to for the team.

“I think it’s slowly become our anthem,” explains Fiona Tuite.

“We had the Cranberries before and now that’s slowly becoming our anthem this time. We’re a crowd that definitely loves singing. Whatever’s put on, Brittany and Amee-Leigh (Costigan), whatever they put on, we’re just happy to sing along and give it a good belt.

“I’m Shipping Up To Boston is a classic before we come out onto the pitch. Brittany always has that on before we walk out, which is class. She’s our music woman.”

Hogan won’t be taken off DJ duty anytime soon give Ireland’s current form. Coming into this World Cup off a highly encouraging 18-month run under Scott Bemand, Ireland raced into a bonus-point lead in Northampton and never really looked overly troubled by a Japan side who refused to give in, despite Ireland’s growing advantage on the scoreboard.

And Hogan was central to the Ireland effort. 

The Ulster woman saw plenty of ball as Ireland made a fast start in Franklin’s Gardens, with her hard ball-carrying prominent throughout.

Ireland’s first try arrived after just five minutes – Amee-Leigh Costigan with the fend and speed to score their first try of the tournament. It was a fine team move with sharp, accurate passing, and one that started with Hogan making a punch carry as Ireland attacked off a lineout on halfway.

The 26-year-old was also involved in Ireland’s second try five minutes later, joining a maul to add power and help push Neve Jones over the tryline.

Ireland continued to use Hogan as a platform to build momentum off their setpiece.

Here, she does well to step around the first Japan tackler and gain some extra ground as Ireland look to launch off lineout again.

In this example from the second half, she manages to win metres after contact again despite the efforts of two Japan defenders.

And here, she accelerates onto the ball before smart footwork sees her hit a gap between two Japan tacklers. In total Hogan clocked 10 carries for 34 metres.

Hogan was just as impactful off the ball, finishing the game as Ireland’s top tackler, with 15.

Her most impressive effort came in the second half, latching onto Japan centre Mana Furuta and using her physicality to help force the ball loose before Linda Djougang gets in to win a penalty. Coming midway through the second period and with Japan building pressure against Ireland’s 14-point lead, it was a big moment for the Ireland defence.

It was typical of the all-action effort Hogan brought. Before signing off for the day, Hogan made two contributions to Ireland’s sixth and final try.

First, she helped move the ball on at the back of the lineout before Aoife Dalton powered for the line (a similar move broke down early in the first half).

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Hogan then rejoined the play to make another strong carry before Ireland went over through Breen.

There were some moments of frustration, with Hogan throwing a loose pass before Japan built momentum to score their first try, and some errors as part of a shaky Ireland lineout in the first half, but overall it was a quality showing from a player who has grown into an increasingly influential figure in the Ireland camp. 

“Brittany is always class,” says Tuite, who started at six in the backrow alongside Hogan.

“She’s an absolute workhorse. Training sessions, everything, the work she does off pitch as well.

“She’s so important for us as a team but she’s class the way she carries that ball, her defensive work and just her work rate. She’s genuinely world class. She’s someone we all aspire to, and we really look up to her as a leader now as well.”