Dane in line for debut for Ireland Women

Ireland Women’s Head Coach, Adam Griggs has named his squad for the Six Nations opener against England, with Kathryn Dane included among the replacements for the first time. The former Enniskillen player, who now lines out for Old Belvedere in Dublin, is joined on the bench by provincial colleague Claire McLaughlin (also Old Belvedere). McLaughlin has recently made a successful transition from centre to the back row. The clash against England will take place at Energia Park, Dublin, on Friday 2nd February at 5pm. Leah Lyons is named at hooker with Laura Feely and Fiona Reidy joining her in the front row. Aoife McDermott and Nichola Fryday are named in the second row with Juliet Short and Claire Molloy named alongside Captain, Ciara Griffin in the back row. Lauren Delaney is named at fullback with Eimear Considine and Megan Williams on the wings. Sene Naoupu and Michelle Claffey make up the centre partnership, with Nicole Fowley named at outhalf and Ailsa Hughes at scrumhalf. Dane is one of three uncapped players selected, with Linda Djougang and Anne Marie O’Hora also hoping to get their first international run-out. Speaking ahead of the first Test, Griggs said: “There’s no bigger challenge than to open the Six Nations against England, they are second in the world for a reason and are a very good side who challenge you in every part of the game. “We had a good test against them in November and while we didn’t get the result, we showed some of the standards and improvements that are required to compete at this level which was a huge positive for us. “We have had good preparations leading into this Friday and are looking for a strong performance to get the championship started in front of what we hope will be an amazing crowd behind us.” Tickets for Ireland's home games are available now via ticketmaster.ie. Ireland Women's team and replacement to play England (Women’s Six Nations, Friday 1st February 2019, Energia Park, Donnybrook, 5.00pm): 15. Lauren Delany (Firwood Waterloo/ IQ Rugby) 14. Eimear Considine (UL Bohemians/ Munster) 13. Sene Naoupu (Old Belvedere/ Leinster) 12. Michelle Claffey (Blackrock/ Leinster) 11. Megan Williams (Old Belvedere/ Leinster) 10. Nicole Fowley (Galwegians/ Connacht) 9. Ailsa Hughes (Railway Union/ Leinster) 1. Laura Feely (Galwegians/ Connacht) 2. Leah Lyons (Harlequins) 3. Fiona Reidy (UL Bohemians/ Munster) 4. Aoife McDermott (Railway Union/ Leinster) 5. Nichola Fryday (Galwegians/ Connacht) 6. Juliet Short (Railway Union/ Leinster) 7. Claire Molloy (Wasps) 8. Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemians/ Munster) Capt Replacements: 16. Emma Hooban (St Mary’s College/ Leinster) 17. Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere/ Leinster) * 18. Anne Marie O’Hora (Galwegians/ Connacht) * 19. Anna Caplice (Richmond) 20. Claire McLaughlin (Old Belvedere/ Ulster) 21. Kathryn Dane (Old Belvedere/ Ulster) * 22. Ellen Murphy (Old Belvedere/ Leinster) 23. Alison Miller (Old Belvedere/ Connacht) *Denotes Uncapped player at this level Ireland Women's Team – Women's Six Nations 2019 Fixtures: Friday 1 February: Ireland v England, Donnybrook, 5pm Friday 8 February: Scotland v Ireland, Scotstoun, 7.35pm Saturday 23 February: Italy v Ireland, Parma, 6.30pm Saturday 9 March: Ireland v France, Donnybrook, 7pm Sunday 17 March: Wales v Ireland, Cardiff Arms Park, 1.30pm