Ireland's Aoife Dalton says taking part in WXV1 is a great opportunity for the side as they prepare for their first time in the competition's top tier.

Scott Bemand's side won WXV3 a year ago, beating Spain, Colombia and Kazakhstan to claim the title, but have jumped two divisions thanks to finishing third in the 2024 Six Nations.

They will face world champions New Zealand in Vancouver in the early hours of Monday morning, before games against host nation Canada and the USA.

Ireland have not faced the Black Ferns since 2016 and this will be just the third ever Test between the two sides.

"It's what we set out for," said Leinster centre Dalton.

"We're in WXV1 and that's where we want to be.

"Coming here is so cool. What an opportunity to play here against the World Cup champions."