JENNY MURPHY WILL captain a 12-strong Ireland Women’s Sevens squad for this week’s trip to the invitational Dubai tournament.

Murphy takes the metaphorical armband after injury to Shannon Houston.

“Shannon has been a great captain,” says coach Jon Skurr, “and has helped support and develop a number of players who have crossed over into the sport. What is even more remarkable, is that she managed to combine the role of captain with her day job as a doctor.”

Murphy is joined in the squad by fellow stars of the 15-a-side summer World Cup Ashleigh Baxter and Alison Miller.

Ireland will kick off Pool B of the women’s invitational tournament at the Dubai Sevens with a meeting against a Moscow Region side early Thursday morning before facing Georgia, Wales and Kenya (kick-off 08.40, 1300 and 16.04 Irish time respectively) before the day is out.

On Friday, Ireland will hope to avoid the need for an early start in the Plate semi-finals, instead aiming for the top two finish in the pool which would bring them a spot in the Trophy semi-finals (from 10.30).

Ireland Women’s Sevens squad for Dubai Sevens:

Siobhan Barratt
Ashleigh Baxter
Nicole Cronin
Claire Keohane
Martina McCarthy
Alison Miller
Lucy Mulhall
Jenny Murphy (Captain)
Elaine Ryan
Hannah Tyrell
Susan Vaughan
Laura-Lee Walsh

Munster tie down quartet of Irish internationals to new contracts

Leinster are still troubled by the ghost of Christmas past