A TOTAL OF six uncapped players have been named in Ireland’s 31-woman squad as they prepare for the November Series against England, Canada and New Zealand.

Prop Leah Lyons (Highfield RFC), second-row Nichola Fryday (Tullamore RFC), sevens international Anna Caplice (UL Bohemians) and Galwegians centre Nicole Fowley are among the new faces to feature.

There is plenty of experience within the group also, with the likes of Sophie Spence, Nora Stapleton, Alison Miller and captain Niamh Briggs well established at international level.

In addition, a number of players from Ireland’s Sevens side will join the camp, as they prepare for the first leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai on 2 and 3 December.

Speaking following the squad announcement, Head Coach Tom Tierney said: ”As we prepare for three big games this November we have selected a squad that contains a nice blend of youth and experience.

“A number of the players selected made their debuts against England last November and since then have continued to develop as players with their clubs, provinces and with Ireland during last season’s Six Nations. We’ve also included some uncapped players who have been performing well for their clubs this season in the All-Ireland League.

With the Women’s Rugby World Cup now less than a year away, we have three very big tests coming up in UCD, which will be the start of our build-up to Ireland 2017.

“Kicking off against World Cup holders England, followed by World Cup runners up Canada and then finally New Zealand, who are coming to Europe off the back of two strong wins against Australia, it’s going to be a very demanding series of games, but it is not too dissimilar to a World Cup scenario, so with that in mind, it’s important that we have a squad of players who can step in when required.”

Ireland Women’s training squad:

Forwards
Anna Caplice – (UL Bohemians / Munster)*
Ciara Cooney – (Railway Union / Leinster)
Ailis Egan – (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Paul Fitzpatrick – (St. Mary’s RFC / Leinster)
Orla Fitzsimons – (St. Mary’s RFC / Leinster)
Nichola Fryday – (Tullamore RFC / Connacht)*
Zoe Grattage – (Highfield RFC / Munster)
Ciara Griffin – (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Fiona Hayes – (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Leah Lyons – (Highfield RFC / Munster)*
Claire Molloy – (Bristol Ladies)
Cliodhna Moloney – (Railway Union / Leinster)
Katie Norris – (Blackrock RFC / Leinster)*
Chloe Pearse – (UL Bohemians / Munster)*
Lindsay Peat – (Railway Union / Leinster)
Fiona Reidy – (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Marie-Louise Reilly – (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Sophie Spence – (Old Belvedere / Leinster)

Backs
Niamh Briggs – (UL Bohemians / Munster) Captain
Liz Burke – (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Nikki Caughey – (Railway Union / Ulster)
Mairead Coyne – (Galwegians / Connacht)
Nicole Fowley – (Galwegians / Connacht)*
Mary Healy – (Galwegians / Connacht)
Niamh Kavanagh – (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Claire McLaughlin – (Cooke / Ulster)
Alison Miller – (Old Belvedere / Connacht)
Larissa Muldoon – (Railway Union / Leinster)
Sene Naoupu – (Aylesbury Bulls)
Jackie Shiels – (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Nora Stapleton – (Old Belvedere / Leinster)

*denotes uncapped

Autumn international fixtures:

13 November 
Ireland Women v England Women, UCD Bowl, 2.00pm

19 November
Ireland Women v Canada Women, UCD Bowl, 2.00pm

23 November 
Canada Women v New Zealand Women, Donnybrook Stadium, 1.00pm

27 November
Ireland Women v New Zealand Women, UCD Bowl, 2.00pm

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