Bourke Named In Ireland Women’s Team

Ireland Women’s head coach Philip Doyle has named the team for the final game of this year’s Women’s RBS 6 Nations against England in Esher. The Irish side travel to England this weekend with a Triple Crown in their sights.

Philip Doyle has made just one change to the side that defeated Scotland last weekend in Ashbourne. Gillian Bourke returns at hooker with Paula Fitzpatrick reverting to the replacements bench.

Speaking ahead of the game, Doyle said: “We have been very lucky in this tournament, we haven’t had to make too many changes and the depth in the squad is very strong.

“We are very realistic in our outlook and firmly believe we have closed the gap to put in a significant challenge on Saturday.”

The St. Patrick’s Day showdown between Ireland and defending champions England, who currently top the table with four wins from four, will be streamed live on the RFU website. Click here to view the game.

To watch Irish Rugby TV’s post-match interview with Philip Doyle following the 20-0 defeat of Scotland, please visit our YouTube channel.

IRELAND WOMEN’S Team & Replacements (v England Women, Women’s RBS 6 Nations, Esher RFC, Surrey, Saturday, March 17, kick-off 2pm):

15 – Ashleigh Baxter (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
14 – Niamh Kavanagh (UL Bohemians/Munster)
13 – Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemians/Munster)
12 – Grace Davitt (Cooke/Ulster)
11 – Alison Miller (Portlaoise/Highfield/Connacht)
10 – Lynne Cantwell (Exile)
9 – Amy Davis (Blackrock/Leinster)
1 – Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemians/Leinster) (capt)
2 – Gillian Bourke (UL Bohemians/Munster)
3 – Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
4 – Sophie Spence (Exile)
5 – Marie Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
6 – Laura Guest (Highfield/Munster)
7 – Claire Molloy (Bristol/Connacht)
8 – Joy Neville (UL Bohemians/Munster)

Replacements:

16 – Paula Fitzpatrick (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)
17 – Ruth O’Reilly (Galwegians/Connacht)
18 – Siobhan Fleming (Tralee/Munster)
19 – Heather O’Brien (Highfield/Munster)
20 – Larissa Muldoon (Exile/UWIC/Ulster)
21 – Shannon Houston (Blackrock College/Leinster)
22 – Jennifer Murphy (Exile)

Ireland Women’s 2012 Fixtures/Results:

Saturday, February 11 – France Women 8 Ireland Women 7, Stade du Hameau, Pau
Friday, February 24 – Ireland Women 40 Italy Women 10, Ashbourne RFC
Saturday, March 3 – Ireland Women 36 v Wales Women 0, Ashbourne RFC
Friday, March 9 – Ireland Women 20 Scotland Women 0, Ashbourne RFC
Saturday, March 17 – England Women v Ireland Women, Esher RFC, 2pm