The Ulster Women’s team has been named for their 3rd/4th place play-off against Connacht this Saturday afternoon in Dexcom Stadium.
It’s been a disappointing campaign result wise for Murray Houston and his team, but the head coach has used this year’s Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship to blood several younger players into the senior ranks.
Debuts have been handed to Caitlin Crowe, Grace Simati, Amy McConkey, Leah Irwin and Olvia McKinley, while the addition of the experienced Claire Boles to the Ulster back row has also been a welcome addition to the squad.
Boles has delivered some stand-out moments this season, and in the absence of captain India Daley, the Railway Union player has stepped in as skipper with minimal fuss.
Boles will don the captain’s armband for Saturday’s game from number 8 where she will be joined by Moya hill and Rebecca Beacom.
After scoring her first senior try last week, Olivia McKinlay continues in the second row with Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan.
Murray has rejigged his front row with Sadhbh McGrath moving to tight head with Sarah Roberts coming at loose head. Maebh Clenaghan continues at hooker.
Behind the scrum, Rachael McIlroy continues at scrumhalf with Abby Moyles returning to fly-half.
There’s further changes in the centre with Leah Irwin moving from outside to inside centre. Caitlin Crowe reverts to outside centre after a brief stint on the wing and her place on the right wing goes to Katie Gilmour.
Ella Durkan takes over at full back with Niamh Marley moving back to her more accustomed left-wing berth.
Emily Whittle, Sophie Barrett and Ava Fannin are named as front row cover on the bench with Ellen Patterson and Stacey Sloan also being named as replacements.
There are also place in the matchday squad for Georgia Boyce, Siobhan Sheerin and Rebecca Mann.
Ulster Rugby v Connacht Rugby. Vodafone Interprovincial Championship 3rd/4th place play-off. Saturday 29th August. Dexcom Stadium. Kick-off 2.00pm.
This match will be streamd live on TG4 YouTube
Matchday tickets are available to buy here
- Sarah Roberts (Queens RFC)
- Maebh Clenaghan (Queens RFC)
- Sadhbh McGrath (Queens RFC)
- Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan (Old Belvedere RFC)
- Olivia McKinney (Banbridge RFC)
- Moya Hill (Enniskillen RFC)
- Rebecca Beacom (Enniskillen RFC)
- Claire Boles (C) (Railway Union RFC)
- Rachael McIlroy (Queens RFC)
- Abby Moyles (Blackrock College RFC)
- Niamh Marley (Queens RFC)
- Leah Irwin (Enniskillen RFC)
- Caitlin Crowe (Virginia RFC)
- Katie Gilmour (Cooke RFC)
- Ella Durkan (Blackrock College RFC)
Replacements:
16. Emily Whittle (Queens RFC)
17. Sophie Barrett (Enniskillen RFC)
18. Ava Fannin (Blackrock College RFC)
19. Ellen Patterson (Queens RFC)
20. Stacey Sloan (Enniskillen RFC)
21. Georgia Boyce (Cooke RFC)
22. Siobhan Sheerin (Clogher Valley RFC
23. Rebecca Mann (Queens RFC)