Six Nations: Ireland make three changes to face Italy

Head Coach Greg McWilliams has named his Ireland squad for their upcoming Six Nations clash against Italy in Parma on Friday.

McWilliams has made three changes to the starting XV that faced France in the last round, with Lauren Delany, Anna McGann, and Ailsa Hughes replacing Meabh Deely, Vicky Irwin, and Molly Scuffil-McCabe. Delany,

Aoife Doyle, and Natasja Behan will start in the back three, while in the midfield, Aoife Dalton and Anna McGann have been selected.

Dannah O'Brien and Ailsa Hughes will be the Irish halfbacks.

Introducing the Ireland line up for Saturday's Round 3 showdown in Parma! 🟢#NothingLikeIt | #TikTokW6N

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) April 13, 2023

The Irish pack remains unchanged, with Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, and Christy Haney starting in the front row. Captain Nichola Fryday partners with Sam Monaghan in the second row, while Dorothy Wall, Grace Moore, and Deirbhile Nic a Bháird retain their places in the back row.

McWilliams said, "It has been a really good block of preparation for this game. We arrived in Parma yesterday afternoon following three days of hard work in Dublin, and the group has come back focused and energized after the down week."

"Saturday will be another stiff challenge for us against a side that reached the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup, but again it is one we are relishing as a group as it gives us the opportunity to continue our development in the Test arena."

The match will kick off at 4.45pm and can be seen live on Virgin Media Two/BBC iPlayer.