Molloy takes charge after Ireland hit by Briggs withdrawal
CLAIRE Molloy will have the honour of leading Ireland at their home World Cup following the withdrawal through injury of Niamh Briggs.
With the full-back picking up an ankle injury, the mantle has been passed to back-rower Molloy who has been capped 53 times for Ireland, featured in the previous two World Cups and previously led the team in the 2013 Sevens World Cup in Russia.
The 29-year-old said: “I’m incredibly humbled to be given the opportunity to captain my country, it’s a massive honour to be selected to lead the team in a World Cup on home soil.
“I’m fortunate that I’ll be surrounded by players with great experience, and I’m just really looking forward to pulling on the green jersey and running out with my team-mates.”
Ireland will take on Australia, Japan and France, with only the winners guaranteed a semi-final place, but head coach Tom Tierney believes Molloy’s experience will prove handy in the showpiece event.
“Claire is one of the most experienced players in the squad, and having competed at two previous World Cups, she’s very much aware of the challenges that lie ahead,” he said.
“She has been one of the most outstanding performers for Ireland over the past number of seasons and has demonstrated her durability and consistency over the course of these campaigns.
“Since we began our World Cup preparations she has shown great leadership qualities and she thoroughly deserves the captaincy.”