Irish Women’s Team v Spain Announced

There are no changes to the Irish team to kick off their Six Nations campaign this Saturday from the team who played the USA last week.

There are no changes to the Irish team to kick off their Six Nations campaign this Saturday from the team who played the USA last week.

Marie Barrett and Caroline Mahon, who both won their first caps in that game, retain their positions while the side will be captained by Sarahjane Belton,

Ireland will be hopeful of victory against Spain – a team that the Irish have battled in many close fought encounters over the past few years. Spain were the first team that Ireland ever beat in the Six Nations three years ago. In 2004, Ireland lost by a point on a 8-7 scoreline, and last season in Madrid Ireland lost another close encounter, this time on a 19-17 scoreline. Spain replace Italy in the women’s Six Nations.

This year Donnybrook will host two of Ireland s Six Nations matches and the team will hoping that the new venue will help them secure some much needed home wins.

Ireland team to play Spain, Saturday, Donnybrook, 5pm

Ireland: Joanne O Sullivan (Lichfield), Nuala Ni Chaidhan (Galwegians), Lynne Cantwell (Trojans), Patrique Kelly (UL Bohemians), Suzanne Fleming (Cooke), SarahJane Belton (c) (UL Bohemians), Tania Rosser (Blackrock), Fiona Coughlan (vc) (UL Bohemians), Jean Lonergan (Shannon),Marie Barrett (Highfield), Caroline Mahon (UL-Bohemians), Germaine Healy (Blackrock), Orla Brennan (Blackrock), Rachel Boyd (Cooke), Joy Neville (Shannon)

Replacements:

Amanda Greensmith (Shannon),Louise Beamish (UL Bohemian), Grace Davitt (Blackrock), Laura Guest (Clonakilty), Gillian McAlister (Cooke), Yvonne Nolan (Blackrock), Sinead Ryan (Navan)

Alison Donnelly

IWRFU Press Officer