The 2026 Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship returns next month, with Ulster set to face Connacht, Munster and Leinster in a key block of fixtures for the squad.
Head Coach Murray Houston has named a 34-player Ulster squad for the 2026 Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Championship, with India Daley set to continue as captain for the upcoming campaign.
Having led the side last season, the Enniskillen forward will once again captain Ulster, bringing her experience and leadership as the squad look to build momentum throughout this year's championship. Abby Moyles and Irish Sevens Olympian Claire Boles have been named as Vice-Captains.
Houston has been able to call on a mix of experience and youth within his squad, alongside an additional 13 development players who will be involved to gain valuable experience across the training weeks and upcoming fixtures.
The squad brings together a blend of experienced and exciting emerging talent, with players earning selection through strong performances at club level across the province. Ireland internationals Fiona Tuite and Sadhbh McGrath add further experience to the group, while a number of players return after representing Ulster in previous Interprovincial campaigns.
Eight Ulster players were also involved in the Wolfhounds’ successful Celtic Challenge campaign, securing a third consecutive title. Their involvement at that level reflects the continued progression of players through the provincial pathway and into high-performance environments.
Among those recognised for their performances last season, Niamh Marley was recently named McAleer & Rushe Women’s Player of the Year following a standout campaign in Ulster colours.
The squad reflects the continued growth of the women’s game across Ulster, with players representing Enniskillen, Queen’s University, Cooke, Clogher Valley, Ballymena, Banbridge and Virginia. The clubs represented reflect the strength of the provincial pathway and the depth of talent being developed across the women’s game.
The Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship brings together the four provinces and offers players the opportunity to test themselves against the best talent in the country while continuing their development within the provincial pathway.
Speaking after announcing his squad, Head Coach Murray Houston said:
“We’re really pleased with the balance we’ve achieved in this squad. There is a strong core of players who have experience at this level alongside a number of younger players who have earned their opportunity."
"The players are working incredibly hard throughout the summer, and we’re excited to see them represent Ulster.”
India Daley added:
“It’s a huge honour to captain Ulster again and something I’m incredibly proud of. Representing your province is always special and to lead this group is a privilege. We’ve got a great mix of experienced players and younger talent coming through, and everyone is excited to get the campaign underway. We’re working hard to prepare and we’re looking forward to putting in performances that our supporters can be proud of.”
Ulster Senior Women's Squad:
Forwards (21)
Ava Fannin, Bronach Cassidy, Cara McClean, Christy Hill, Claire Boles, Ellen Patterson, Emily Whittle, Fiona Tuite, Grace Simati, India Daley (C), Jemima Johnson, Katie Hetherington, Maebh Clenaghan, Moya Hill, Olivia McKinley, Rebecca Beacom, Ruby Starrett, Sadhbh McGrath, Sarah Roberts, Sophie Barrett, Stacey Sloan
Backs (13)
Abby Moyles, Caitlin Crowe, Ciara Fitzsimons, Ella Durkan, Georgia Boyce, Katie Gilmour, Leah Irwin, Lucy Thompson, Niamh Marley, Rachael McIlroy, Rebecca Mann, Siobhan Sheerin, Sophie Meeke
Ulster Senior Women's Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Murray Houston
Lineout Coach: Reuben Crothers
Scrum and Defence Coach: Griffin Phillipson
Backs Coach: Grace Davitt
Skills Coach: James Hume
Athletic Development Coach: Kevin Gallagher
Team Manager: Marianne Breen
Physio: Martin Dunlop
Former Ulster Rugby back-row forward and Ireland Under-20s captain Reuben Crothers joins the coaching team, bringing experience from both his professional playing career and coaching pathway. Crothers returned to his boyhood club, Ballynahinch RFC, in 2025 and has since guided Down High School’s girls’ team to the 2026 Danske Bank Girls’ Schools’ Cup Final.
Joining him is Griffin Philipson, who has been appointed Scrum and Defence Coach. The former the former English Championship and City of Armagh RFC player brings previous coaching experience from Malone Rugby Club’s senior men’s and women’s teams.
Ireland international centre and Senior Men's player, James Hume, has also joined the coaching team this summer and brings a wealth of top-level experience into the group as Skills Coach.
The tournament will once again be broadcast live on the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel, ensuring fans can follow every match throughout the competition.
The opening round takes place on Saturday, 8 August, with Munster hosting Leinster at Virgin Media Park (2.30pm kick-off), before Ulster welcome Connacht to Affidea Stadium later that afternoon (4.15pm kick-off).
Round 2 on Saturday, 15 August sees Munster face Ulster at Virgin Media Park (2.30pm), while Leinster take on Connacht at Energia Park (4.30pm).
The final round of league fixtures will be played on Saturday, 22 August, with Ulster hosting Leinster at Affidea Stadium (2.30pm) and Connacht meeting Munster at Dexcom Stadium (4.15pm).
The competition concludes with the Finals Day on Saturday, 29 August, at Dexcom Stadium. The third-place play-off will kick off at 2.00pm, before the 2026 Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Series Final gets underway at 4.30pm.
Tickets
Tickets for Ulster's two home interpro derbies against Connacht and Leinster at Affidea Stadium are now on sale.
2026-27 Season Ticket Holders can claim their free tickets through Account Manager.