IRELAND CAPTAIN NIAMH Briggs will be a rare absentee when Ireland Women kick off their November international series against England in UCD on Sunday (KO 14.00).
The fullback has been struggling with a hamstring injury in recent weeks and has not recovered in time for the clash with the world champions, her number 15 shirt filled by Galwegians’ Mairead Coyne as powerful back row Paula Fitzpatrick takes over the captaincy.
Coyne’s clubmate Nicole Fowley will make her international debut in the centre alongside Sene Naoupu – who only left the club for England during the summer. Nora Stapleton returns to the number 10 jersey and looks likely to shoulder goal-kicking responsibilities as well as getting Naoupu and speedster Alison Miller firing in attack.
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Colm O'Neill / INPHO
Colm O'Neill / INPHO / INPHO
Ireland are also without 2015 World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Sophie Spence, but have the experienced combination of Marie-Louise Reilly and Orla Fitzsimons to run the second row.
There are two uncapped Munster women on the bench, with UL Bohs’ Chloe Pearse covering the back row and Highfield’s Leah Lyons the replacement hooker.
Ireland Women (v England, Sunday 13 November 14.00)
Opening November Test against England comes too soon for Ireland captain Briggs
IRELAND CAPTAIN NIAMH Briggs will be a rare absentee when Ireland Women kick off their November international series against England in UCD on Sunday (KO 14.00).
The fullback has been struggling with a hamstring injury in recent weeks and has not recovered in time for the clash with the world champions, her number 15 shirt filled by Galwegians’ Mairead Coyne as powerful back row Paula Fitzpatrick takes over the captaincy.
Coyne’s clubmate Nicole Fowley will make her international debut in the centre alongside Sene Naoupu – who only left the club for England during the summer. Nora Stapleton returns to the number 10 jersey and looks likely to shoulder goal-kicking responsibilities as well as getting Naoupu and speedster Alison Miller firing in attack.
Ireland are also without 2015 World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Sophie Spence, but have the experienced combination of Marie-Louise Reilly and Orla Fitzsimons to run the second row.
There are two uncapped Munster women on the bench, with UL Bohs’ Chloe Pearse covering the back row and Highfield’s Leah Lyons the replacement hooker.
Ireland Women (v England, Sunday 13 November 14.00)
15. Mairead Coyne (Galwegians / Connacht)
14. Niamh Kavanagh (UL Bohemians / Munster)
13. Nicole Fowley (Galwegians / Connacht)*
12. Sene Naoupu (Aylesford Bulls)
11. Alison Miller (Old Belvedere / Connacht)
10. Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
9. Larissa Muldoon (Railway Union)
1. Lindsay Peat (Railway Union / Leinster)
2. Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union / Leinster)
3. Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
4. Maire-Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
5. Orla Fitzsimons (St. Mary’s / Leinster)
6. Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemians / Munster)
7. Claire Molloy (Bristol / Connacht)
8. Paula Fitzpatrick (St. Mary’s / Leinster) Captain
Replacements:
16. Leah Lyons (Highfield / Munster)*
17. Fiona Hayes (UL Bohemians / Munster)
18. Fiona Reidy (UL Bohemians / Munster)
19. Katie Norris (Blackrock College / Leinster)
20. Chloe Pearse (UL Bohemians / Munster)*
21. Mary Healy (Galwegians / Connacht)
22. Nikki Caughey (Railway Union / Ulster)
23. Jackie Shiels (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
After England, Ireland will face more world class opposition in the shape of Canada and New Zealand. Tickets can be found here.
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