Ireland Women’s Head Coach Scott Bemand announced the team for the second round of the WXV3 series in Dubai against Colombia.
Bemand's side made an exceptional start to the competition last week, hammering Kazakhstan in a record-breaking 109-0 victory.
Here is a rundown of the selected team:
Ireland has opted for an experienced squad to face Colombia. Co-captains Sam Monaghan and Edel McMahon start in the second row and back row, respectively.
They are part of a pack alongside Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, and Christy Haney, forming the front row. Eimear Corri, who earned her first cap last Saturday, partners with Monaghan in the second row.
Grace Moore takes the blindside flanker position, McMahon plays openside, and Brittany Hogan is at number eight.
TEAM NEWS
Here's your Ireland team for Round 2 of @WXVRugby against Colombia in Dubai on Saturday afternoon.
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— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 19, 2023
In the backline, there's an exciting mix of youth and experience, with Meabh Deely, Beibhinn Parsons, and Natasja Behan forming the back three. Aoife Dalton and Eve Higgins pair up as centres, while Aoibheann Reilly and Nicole Fowley are selected as scrum half and outhalf.
Bemand has also included uncapped player Fiona Tuite on the bench, giving her the opportunity to make her Test debut in the green jersey.
Commenting on the squad announcement, Bemand stated: “While last week’s performance was outstanding, we are striving to further develop our playing identity. We’ve had another intense training week, providing a chance for some new faces to showcase their talents on the pitch.
"Our goal is to consistently raise our performance standards and become a formidable team. We aim to enjoy our rugby and make our family and friends proud. It’s wonderful to have some of them here in Dubai, supporting the team.”
Saturday’s match will be available for free streaming on RugbyPass TV, and live updates will be provided on Irish Rugby’s social media channels. Kick-off is at 5pm local time/2pm Irish time
Ireland's team to face Columbia
Fullbacks: 15. Méabh Deely
Winger: 14 Béibhinn Parsons
Centres: 13 Eve Higgins 12 Aoife Dalton
Winger 11: Natasja Beha
Outhalf: 10 Nicole Fowley Scrum half: 9 Aoibheann Reill
Front row 1 1. Linda Djougang 2. Neve Jones 3. Christy Haney
Second row: 4 Eimear Corri 5. Sam Monaghan
Back row: 6 Grace Moore 7. Edel McMahon 8. Brittany Hogan
Replacements:
16. Sarah Delaney
17. Niamh O’Dowd
18. Megan Collis
19. Fiona Tuite
20. Dorothy Wall
21. Molly Scuffil-McCabe
22. Dannah O’Brien
23. Leah Tarpey
