Irish in search of redemption
IRELAND will be itching to rectify their World Cup omission in this year’s Six Nations campaign. It was a disaster for Greg McWilliams’s side in the qualifier against Scotland in 2021 as they fell 20-18 to crush their World Cup dreams. Since then, the focus has been on redemption.
The Irish finished fourth in the 2022 Six Nations, and head into the new campaign ahead of Wales and Scotland in the World rankings.
“There is an exciting blend of youth and experience, and these players are fit for Test rugby,” McWilliams said.
“We have identified players who are ready for international rugby, and we have had the opportunity to work with these players over the last five weeks, with that contact time incredibly valuable as we build the depth and strength of the group.”
Captain Nichola Fryday added: “We are in a good spot at the moment, we had the rollout of the contracts which was hugely positive, our first tour of Japan and the introduction of the Celtic Challenge.
“I think these are all things which are adding to the women’s game in Ireland.”
However, Ireland have been dampened by the news that players involved with Ireland’s Sevens set-up won’t be able to feature in the opening rounds of the Six Nations due to the World Sevens Series, including Eve Higgins, Beibhinn Parsons and Amee-Leigh Murphy.
But Fryday says the absence of key players provides opportunities for new players to make an impression.
“It is allowing us to develop our own players and give them good game time and experience the squad and training level,” she said.
“I think it allows opportunities for girls that are coming through.
“Players are getting that chance that maybe they might not have got in the past, so I think it is positive.”
SQUAD
FORWARDS: O’Dowd, Mcgrath, Buggy, Haney, Djougang, Jones, Nielson, Nic A Bhaird, Fryday (c), Monaghan, Tuite, O’connor, Wall, Moore, O’leary, Mcmahon, Hogan, Boyne
BACKS: Scuffil-Mccabe, Swords, Hughes, O’Brien, Cronin, Breen, Wafer, Dalton, Irwin, Deely, Doyle, Behan, Roberts, Dela