Ireland Women's Rugby Squad Unveiled for Upcoming Tests and WXV1 Campaign
Ireland's women's rugby team is gearing up for a busy and exciting season, with the announcement of a 35-player squad for the upcoming test against Australia and the WXV1 campaign in Vancouver. The squad boasts a blend of experienced players and exciting new talent, setting the stage for a compelling series of matches.
10 Uncapped Players to Make Their Debut
Head Coach Scott Bemand has included 10 uncapped players in his squad, recognizing the talent and potential within the next generation of Irish rugby players. Prop Sophie Barrett, a standout performer for Ireland's U20s during the summer, is among those receiving their first senior call-up. She joins Ruth Campbell, Siobhán McCarthy, Andrea Stock, and Ireland Sevens international Erin King as the uncapped forwards in the 35-player panel.
Olympians Return to the Squad
Bemand has also included five Olympians in his squad, all of whom played a significant role in Ireland's historic campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Stacey Flood, Eve Higgins, Emily Lane, and Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, who have previously been capped at XVs level, are back in the squad after their success in the Sevens tournament.
New Faces in the Backs
In the backs, there are first senior call-ups for Robyn O'Connor and Chisom Ugwueru, making the step up from Ireland's U20s. Katie Heffernan, Katie Whelan, and Alana McInerney, the current top scorer in this season's Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Championship, will all be aiming to earn their first Test cap in green.
Preparing for the Challenges Ahead
The extended squad will assemble at the IRFU High Performance Centre on Monday to begin preparations for the match against Australia at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast on September 14th. After the test, Bemand will reduce the squad to 30 players for the WXV1 campaign in Vancouver, where they will face New Zealand, Canada, and the USA.
Looking Ahead to WXV1
The WXV1 campaign will be a crucial test for the Irish team as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup in England in 2025. The competition will provide valuable experience and an opportunity to gauge their progress against some of the world's best teams. The squad's blend of experience and new talent makes them a formidable force, and they will be determined to make their mark on the international stage.
Ireland's Coaching Staff for the Season
Ireland's women's rugby team has a new coaching staff for the upcoming season, led by head coach Scott Bemand. The new team includes:
- Alex Codling (Forwards Coach): Codling brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as head coach of the Newcastle Falcons. He is a former England international and is known for his expertise in developing forwards.
- Hugh Hogan (Defense Coach): Hogan has held top coaching positions with Leinster, the Scarlets, and Tokyo's Suntory Sungoliath. He is a highly respected coach with a proven track record of success in developing defensive strategies.
- Gareth Steenson (Kicking Coach): Steenson is a former Exeter Chiefs and Ulster player and is known for his exceptional kicking ability. He will be instrumental in developing the kicking skills of the Irish players.
- Denis Fogarty (Scrum Coach): Fogarty returns for his third season as scrum coach and has a deep understanding of the intricacies of this crucial aspect of the game.
- Maz Reilly (World Rugby Coach Intern): Reilly is a former Ireland international and Grand Slam champion and will be bringing her valuable experience to the coaching staff as a World Rugby coach intern.
A Season of Opportunity and Excitement
The upcoming season is a significant one for Ireland's women's rugby team. The test against Australia, the WXV1 campaign, and the preparations for the Rugby World Cup all present opportunities for growth and development. The squad's combination of experienced players and exciting new talent promises to make it a thrilling season for Irish rugby fans. The team's determination and focus are evident, and they will be looking to make their mark on the international stage.
