Two Ulster players have been named in the Ireland Women's squad to play England in a historic first Autumn International match next month.
There are new faces on the panel, with Queen’s University centre Claire McLaughlin (pictured) among nine uncapped players. Her Ulster teammate Nikki Caughey, who has starred for Ireland on the sevens circuit over the past few years, is also selected.
Ireland take on their English counterparts at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday 14th November (3.00pm Kick off).
Speaking ahead of the game, Ireland Women's Coach, Tom Tierney, said: "We are looking forward to the game in November. It's the first time we have played an Autumn International, which is another step in the development of women's rugby. We have an opportunity to have a look at some new players and combinations building towards the 6 Nations.”
Ireland Women's Squad (ahead of England v Ireland, The Stoop, Saturday 14th November 2015, 3.00pm):
Elaine Anthony (Highfield/ Munster)*
Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemian/ Munster)
Nikki Caughey (Belfast Harlequins/ Ulster)
Ciara Cooney (Railway Union/ Leinster)*
Mairead Coyne (Galwegians/ Connacht)*
Jeamie Deacon (Blackrock/ Leinster)*
Aine Donnelly (Cill Dara/Leinster)*
Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
Paula Fitzpatrick (Stade Toulousain)
Orla Fitzsimons (St Marys/ Leinster)
Zoe Grattage (Tralee/ Munster)*
Mary Healy (Galwegians/ Connacht)
Claire McLaughlin (Queens University/ Ulster)*
Claire Molloy (Bristol/ Connacht)
Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union/ Leinster)*
Larissa Muldoon (Skewen)
Sene Naoupu (Galwegians/ Sevens)
Heather O'Brien (Stade Toulousain)
Fiona O'Brien (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
Ruth O'Reilly (Galwegians/ Connacht)
Fiona Reidy (UL Bohemian/ Munster)*
Jackie Shiels (Richmond/Exiles)
Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
*Denotes uncapped player at this level.
There are new faces on the panel, with Queen’s University centre Claire McLaughlin (pictured) among nine uncapped players. Her Ulster teammate Nikki Caughey, who has starred for Ireland on the sevens circuit over the past few years, is also selected.
Ireland take on their English counterparts at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday 14th November (3.00pm Kick off).
Speaking ahead of the game, Ireland Women's Coach, Tom Tierney, said: "We are looking forward to the game in November. It's the first time we have played an Autumn International, which is another step in the development of women's rugby. We have an opportunity to have a look at some new players and combinations building towards the 6 Nations.”
Ireland Women's Squad (ahead of England v Ireland, The Stoop, Saturday 14th November 2015, 3.00pm):
Elaine Anthony (Highfield/ Munster)*
Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemian/ Munster)
Nikki Caughey (Belfast Harlequins/ Ulster)
Ciara Cooney (Railway Union/ Leinster)*
Mairead Coyne (Galwegians/ Connacht)*
Jeamie Deacon (Blackrock/ Leinster)*
Aine Donnelly (Cill Dara/Leinster)*
Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
Paula Fitzpatrick (Stade Toulousain)
Orla Fitzsimons (St Marys/ Leinster)
Zoe Grattage (Tralee/ Munster)*
Mary Healy (Galwegians/ Connacht)
Claire McLaughlin (Queens University/ Ulster)*
Claire Molloy (Bristol/ Connacht)
Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union/ Leinster)*
Larissa Muldoon (Skewen)
Sene Naoupu (Galwegians/ Sevens)
Heather O'Brien (Stade Toulousain)
Fiona O'Brien (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
Ruth O'Reilly (Galwegians/ Connacht)
Fiona Reidy (UL Bohemian/ Munster)*
Jackie Shiels (Richmond/Exiles)
Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
*Denotes uncapped player at this level.