10 uncapped players in Ireland women's squad to play England

HEAD COACH TOM Tierney has included 10 uncapped players in his squad of 23 to face England in a first evern Autumn International next month.

The sides meet on November 14 at Twickenham Stoop, and Tierney has used the game to try out several new players ahead of the Six Nations defence in the spring.

Elaine Anthony, Nikki Caughey, Ciara Cooney, Mairead Coyne, Jeamie Deacon, Aine Donnelly, Zoe Grattage, Claire McLaughlin, Cliodhna Moloney and Fiona Reidy all come in to the squad of 23 for what is likely to be their first caps.

Head coach Tom Tierney says he’s looking at several new players, with an eye on the future.

“We are looking forward to the game in November. It’s the first time we have played an Autumn International which is another step in the development in women’s rugby. We have an opportunity to have a look at some new players and combinations building towards the 6 nations,” he said.

Ireland got the better of England 11-8 when the sides last met in the 2015 Six Nations Championship.

Elaine Anthony (Highfield/ Munster)*

Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemian/ Munster)

Nikki Caughey (Belfast Harlequins/ Ulster)*

Ciara Cooney (Railway Union/ Leinster)*

Mairead Coyne (Galwegians/ Connacht)*

Jeamie Deacon (Blackrock/ Leinster)*

Aine Donnelly (Cill Dara/Leinster)*

Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)

Paula Fitzpatrick (Stade Toulousain)

Orla Fitzsimons (St Marys/ Leinster)

Zoe Grattage (Tralee/ Munster)*

Mary Healy (Galwegians/ Connacht)

Claire McLaughlin (Queens University/ Ulster)*

Claire Molloy (Bristol/ Connacht)

Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union/ Leinster)*

Larissa Muldoon (Skewen)

Sene Naoupu (Galwegians/ Sevens)

Heather O’Brien (Stade Toulousain)

Fiona O’Brien (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)

Ruth O’Reilly (Galwegians/ Connacht)

Fiona Reidy (UL Bohemian/ Munster)*

Jackie Shiels (Richmond/Exiles)

Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)

*Denotes uncapped player at this level.