Parsons’ return boosts Ireland’s Six Nations bid

TEENAGE sensation Beibhinn Parsons has been restored to the Ireland squad ahead of the rescheduled Six Nations games against Italy and France, writes CIAN TRACEY.

The 18-year old winger (above) announced her arrival on the international stage with a couple of impressive performances against Scotland and Wales earlier this year before she focused on her Leaving Cert.

Parsons is part of a 36-strong squad named by head coach Adam Griggs, as Ireland turn their attention to hosting Italy on the weekend of October 24 before a trip to France the following week.

Griggs has included three uncapped players as Connacht back Shannon Touhey, as well as Leinster forward Katie O’Dwyer and Ulster’s Neve Jones all target their first caps later this year.

The likes of captain Ciara Griffin and Claire McLaughlin will provide plenty of experience while there is also a welcome return for the talented Sene Naoupu after a recent health scare.

Ireland Women’s Six Nations squad – Backs: E Breen, M Claffey, E Considine, N Cronin, K Dane, L Delany, A Doyle, K Fitzhenry, A Hughes, C Keohane, L Muldoon, E Murphy, S Naoupu, B Parsons, L Sheehan, S Touhey*, H Tyrell. Forwards: J Bobbett, A Caplice, C Cooney, V Dabanovich O’Mahony, L Djougang, L Feeley, N Fryday, C Griffin, N Jones*, L Lyons, A McDermott, C McLaughlin, E McMahon, C Moloney, H O’Connor, K O’Dwyer*, C Pearse, L Peat, D Wall. *Denotes uncapped player at this level.