Updated 15.00
FIVE PLAYERS WILL be hoping to win their first international cap for Ireland Women during the Six Nations after head coach Tom Tierney unveiled his 30-strong squad for the Championship today.
Fullback Niamh Briggs will once again captain the side after missing out on two of the November internationals through injury.
The new faces include props Ciara O’Connor and Ilse Van Staden of Galwegians and Cooke RFC respectively, half-backs Ailsa Hughes and Jemma Jackson plus former Clare GAA star Eimear Considine, who has more recently represented Munster and Ireland Sevens. Kilmihil native Considine has lined out for the Banner in camogie and ladies football.
With a home World Cup to work towards in August, Ireland begin their Six Nations away to Scotland on Friday 3 February without World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Sophie Spence, who is still working back to full fitness.
This year, for the first time, all five women’s internationals will be broadcast live by RTE.
“There is a good blend of youth and experience in the squad, and having had weekly camps since Christmas, we’ve been working hard getting our structures in place and making sure everyone knows their job,” says Tierney.
“It’s set to be a busy and exciting year for this team, and it all gets underway next Friday against Scotland.
“While we had some tough games in November, the experience the players gained in those matches will stand to them as we head into the Six Nations Championship.”
Ireland Women’s squad for 2017 Six Nations (*denoted uncapped at Test level)
Forwards:
Elaine Anthony (Highfield / Munster)
Anna Caplice (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Ciara Cooney (Railway Union / Leinster)
Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Paula Fitzpatrick (St. Mary’s College / Leinster)
Orla Fitzsimons (St. Mary’s College / Leinster)
Nichola Fryday (Tullamore / Connacht)
Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Leah Lyons (Highfield / Munster)
Claire Molloy (Bristol / Connacht)
Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union / Leinster)
Heather O’Brien (Highfield / Munster)
Ciara O’Connor (Galwegians / Connacht)*
Ruth O’Reilly (Galwegians / Connacht)
Lindsay Peat (Railway Union / Leinster)
Marie-Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Ilse Van Staden (Cooke / Ulster)*
Backs:
Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemians / Munster) Captain
Eimear Considine (UL Bohemians / Munster)*
Mairead Coyne (Galwegians / Connacht)
Aine Donnelly (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Mary Healy (Galwegians / Connacht)
Ailsa Hughes (Railway Union / Leinster)*
Jemma Jackson (Cooke / Ulster)*
Niamh Kavanagh (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Claire McLaughlin (Cooke / Ulster)
Alison Miller (Old Belvedere / Connacht)
Jenny Murphy (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Sene Naoupu (Ayslesford Bulls)
Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Congratulations eimear , very talented sports person