IRELAND WOMEN’S COACH Tom Tierney has named his team for Saturday’s opening Six Nations game against Wales, with three uncapped players set to make their debuts.
Elise O’Byrne-White and hooker Zoe Grattage will pull on the green jersey for the first time while Ciara Griffin could make her bow from the bench.
In all, there are 10 players who will be involved in a Six Nations game for the first time as Tierney opts to give a crop of new players their chance at the start of the campaign.
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The ever-present Niamh Briggs captains the side from fullback but there is no place for experienced back Nora Stapleton, who must settle for a place on the bench at Donnybrook.
“It’s very exciting to have so many new players involved in their first Six Nations game,” Tierney said.
“With some of the girls from last year’s campaign involved with the Sevens at the moment, as well as some retirements over the past few seasons, it gives others the opportunity to pull on the green jersey.
“We’re now at a stage where we are developing more and more girls who are capable at competing at international level and it’s a great to see.”
Ireland are the defending Six Nations champions and have won the title twice in the last three seasons.
Kick-off on Saturday is at 1pm and the game is being streamed on RTÉ’s website, while tickets are still available online.
10 players set for Six Nations debut in Ireland's first game of Championship defence
IRELAND WOMEN’S COACH Tom Tierney has named his team for Saturday’s opening Six Nations game against Wales, with three uncapped players set to make their debuts.
Elise O’Byrne-White and hooker Zoe Grattage will pull on the green jersey for the first time while Ciara Griffin could make her bow from the bench.
In all, there are 10 players who will be involved in a Six Nations game for the first time as Tierney opts to give a crop of new players their chance at the start of the campaign.
The ever-present Niamh Briggs captains the side from fullback but there is no place for experienced back Nora Stapleton, who must settle for a place on the bench at Donnybrook.
“It’s very exciting to have so many new players involved in their first Six Nations game,” Tierney said.
“We’re now at a stage where we are developing more and more girls who are capable at competing at international level and it’s a great to see.”
Ireland are the defending Six Nations champions and have won the title twice in the last three seasons.
Kick-off on Saturday is at 1pm and the game is being streamed on RTÉ’s website, while tickets are still available online.
Ireland Women (v Wales):
15. Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemians / Munster)
14. Elise O’Byrne-White (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
13. Aine Donnelly (Cill Dara / Leinster)
12. Sene Naoupu (Galwegians / Connacht)
11. Mairead Coyne (Galwegians / Connacht)
10. Nikki Caughey (Railway Union / Ulster)
9. Larissa Muldoon (Skewen)
1. Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
2. Zoe Grattage (Tralee / Munster)
3. Ruth O’Reilly (Galwegians / Connacht)
4. Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
5. Marie-Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
6. Paula Fitzpatrick (Toulouse)
7. Claire Molloy (Bristol)
8. Heather O’Brien (Toulouse)
Replacements
16. Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union / Leinster)
17. Lindsay Peat (Railway Union / Leinster)
18. Fiona Reidy (UL Bohemians / Munster)
19. Ciara Cooney (Railway Union / Leinster)
20. Ciara Griffin (Tralee / Munster)
21. Mary Healy (Galwegians / Connacht)
22. Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
23. Jackie Shiels (Richmond)
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Donnybrook Ireland Women RBS Women's Six Nations Team news Tom Tierney