Ireland skipper Katie McCabe and Matildas goalkeeper Caitlin Foord have confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in world football this week, officially announcing themselves as a couple on Instagram. 

Rumours surrounding the Arsenal teammates have swirled ever since a fiery love triangle emerged at the FIFA Women's World Cup last year - and now, almost 12 months later, the cat is out of the bag thanks to a single word in a post.

Foord and McCabe are currently holidaying together in Rome, with the Matildas star sharing a host of happy snaps from their time away.

She posted the images with the caption: 'Sick time away in Rome.'

Injured Matildas captain Sam Kerr took the opportunity to engage in some light-hearted banter, replying: 'Actual sick time?' with a laughing emoji.

But it was McCabe's response that seemingly locked in their relationship status, with the Ireland star replying simply: 'Amore' - Italian for love - including an emoji with love eyes.

Australian Matildas star Caitlin Foord and Arsenal teammate Kate McCabe appear to have made their relationship Instagram official

The romance is rumoured to have started after McCabe broke off her long-term relationship with international teammate Ruesha Littlejohn just before the World Cup.

That set tongues wagging that McCabe and Foord were an item, but apart from the occasional image or video of the two together, they remained tight-lipped.

Littlejohn made her feelings very well known, with her Irish teammates having to physically restrain her after she aggressively approached Foord at the end of their World Cup clash. When the players shared high fives, Littlejohn ignored Foord completely.

Foord had also recently became single after splitting from Swiss midfielder and Arsenal teammate Lia Walti, adding weight to the rumours.

'It's now clearly [sic] that there's some drama between Katie, Reusha and Caitlin,' wrote one Tik Tok user.

'Ruesha that's too personal', wrote another.

Foord declined to comment at the time. However, now that their relationship appears to be Instagram official, their current teammates couldn't be happier.

One follower wasn't happy, though, posting a vomit emoji and earning a quick rebuke from McCabe who posted: 'Who do you think you are?' with a skull emoji.

Most fans were loving every bit of it, though.

'That is just the cutest who thought that the big tough Katie McCabe could be so cute,' replied one follower.

'I love that they aren't hiding it anymore and just being themselves! Good for you both,' said another. 

'Rome is a great place for anniversaries,' posted another in a cheeky reference to the timing compared to last year's World Cup.

Others suggested that while this post might be the 'hard launch' of their relationship, those in the know have been aware of their romance for much longer than that.

'Ppl saying 'hard launch' like they forgot about nye,' one follower posted.

McCabe and Foord were photographed enjoying the Christmas holidays together last year, with the Irish star spotted wearing a customised bracelet that said 'Foord'.