Ireland Women’s Sevens Squad Named For Rugby Europe Opener In Lisbon

Coming off the back of a best ever finish of fourth on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, Aiden McNulty’s side turn their attention to their European campaign where they will face Spain, Scotland, Germany and Romania at the Jamor Stadium first up.

Lucy Mulhall once again captains Ireland, as four uncapped players get their opportunity to stake their claim in a green jersey.

Ahead of July’s Rugby World Cup Sevens European qualifier, head coach McNulty is bidding to build further squad depth, with Méabh Deely, Maeve Liston, Enya Breen and Ella Roberts earning their places in the 13-player travelling panel for Portugal.

It is an exciting opportunity for the young squad in the first of back-to-back Rugby Europe competitions. The Polish city of Krakow stages the second and final leg next week (July 1-3).

Ireland face Spain (kick-off 10.22am Irish time), Scotland (1.36pm) and Germany (5.44pm) on Saturday before concluding the pool stages against Romania on Sunday (11.22am) – all matches are live on Rugby Europe TV here.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s tournament, McNulty said: “Since completing the World Series, we have been focusing on the ‘Irish Way’ of playing.

“Lisbon is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase what our super strengths are and what core elements of our game need to be thriving for us to win competitions.

“Ultimately we are starting our journey towards qualifying for the World Cup and we are excited to announce four new caps for this weekend. Our mission is to give them a memory to last a lifetime.”

IRELAND WOMEN’S SEVENS Squad (2022 Rugby Europe Sevens Championship – Leg 1, Lisbon, Portugal, June 25-26, 2022):

Enya Breen (UL Bohemian RFC)
Claire Boles (Railway Union RFC)
Megan Burns (Blackrock College RFC)
Méabh Deely (Blackrock College RFC)
Katie Heffernan (Railway Union RFC)
Ella Roberts (Wicklow RFC)
Eve Higgins (Railway Union RFC)
Lucinda Kinghan (Railway Union RFC/DCU RFC)
Vicky Elmes Kinlan (Wicklow RFC)
Maeve Liston (Blackrock College RFC)
Kate Farrell McCabe (Suttonians RFC)
Anna McGann (Railway Union RFC)
Lucy Mulhall (Wicklow RFC) (capt)

2022 Rugby Europe Sevens Championship, Lisbon – Ireland Schedule:

Saturday, June 25:

• Ireland v Spain, Jamor Stadium, 10.22am
• Ireland v Scotland, Jamor Stadium, 1.36pm
• Ireland v Germany, Jamor Stadium, 5.44pm

Sunday, June 26:

• Ireland v Romania, Jamor Stadium, 11.22am