Ireland Women’s Squad Announced For One-Day Camp

As the Ireland Women continue their preparations for their first ever full autumn international series, Ireland Women’s head coach Tom Tierney has confirmed a squad of 36 players to take part in a one-day camp this weekend in DCU.

The 36-woman squad, which has a 23-13 split between forwards and backs, boasts a number of experienced internationals including captain Niamh Briggs, winger Alison Miller, out-half Nora Stapleton, second row Marie Louise Reilly, flanker Claire Molloy and prop Ailis Egan.

There are also a number of uncapped players named in the squad, including Highfield prop Leah Lyons, UL Bohemians hooker/number 8 Chloe Pearse, back rower Nichola Fryday of Tullamore and Galwegians’ Nicole Fowley.

With three rounds of matches played in the revamped Women’s All-Ireland League to date, it has allowed the players the chance to build their match fitness, while also competing against one another on a weekly basis.

Speaking ahead of the camp this weekend, Tom Tierney said: “The build-up towards the autumn internationals is well underway. The players have been involved in regional camps since early August and joined up for a one-day camp at the start of September.

“The restructure of the All-Ireland League has also meant that they are playing rugby week in, week out in a competitive environment.

“This Saturday will be another important step as we prepare to face three of the best teams in the world in England, Canada and New Zealand.”

IRELAND WOMEN’S TRAINING Squad (One-Day Camp, Saturday, October 1, DCU):

Backs (13) –

Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemians/Munster) (capt)
Liz Burke (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Nikki Caughey (Railway Union/Ulster)
Mairead Coyne (Galwegians/Connacht)
Nicole Fowley (Galwegians/Connacht)
Mary Healy (Galwegians/Connacht)
Ailsa Hughes (Railway Union/Ulster)
Niamh Kavanagh (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Claire McLaughlin (Cooke/Ulster)
Alison Miller (Old Belvedere/Connacht)
Sene Naoupu (Harlequins)
Jackie Shiels (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere/Leinster)

Forwards (23) –

Elaine Anthony (Highfield/Munster)
Ciara Cooney (Railway Union/Leinster)
Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
Grainne Egan (St. Mary’s/Connacht)
Paul Fitzpatrick (St. Mary’s/Leinster)
Orla Fitzsimons (St. Mary’s/Leinster)
Nichola Fryday (Tullamore/Connacht)
Zoe Grattage (Highfield/Munster)
Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Fiona Hayes (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Leah Lyons (Highfield/Munster)
Claire Molloy (Bristol)
Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union/Leinster)
Katie Norris (Blackrock/Leinster)
Fiona O’Brien (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
Heather O’Brien (Highfield/Munster)
Ciara O’Connor (Galwegians/Connacht)
Ruth O’Reilly (Galwegians/Connacht)
Chloe Pearse (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Lindsay Peat (Railway Union/Leinster)
Fiona Reidy (UL Bohemians/Munster)
Marie Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere/Leinster)

AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL FIXTURES:
 
Sunday, November 13:

Ireland Women v England Women, UCD, kick-off 2pm
 
Saturday, November 19:

Ireland Women v Canada Women, UCD, kick-off 2pm
 
Wednesday, November 23:

Canada Women v New Zealand Women, venue and kick-off tbc
 
Sunday, November 27:

Ireland Women v New Zealand Women, UCD, kick-off 2pm