Ireland Squad Named For WXV Global Series

Ireland Women’s Head Coach Scott Bemand has named a 36-player training squad ahead of the WXV Global Series , with seven uncapped players rewarded for impressive performances during the recent Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship.

The squad will assemble in Dublin as preparations begin for the upcoming tournament, a significant addition to the international calendar that will provide valuable high-quality competitive opportunities for players and teams on the global stage.

The selected panel combines experienced internationals with emerging talent, as Bemand continues to build squad depth and competition ahead of a busy autumn programme.

Among those selected are Jemima Adams Verling, Sophie Barrett, Beth Buttimer, Caitríona Finn, Kate Jordan, Lucia Linn and Alana McInerney. Having all featured in both the Celtic Challenge and Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship, the uncapped players will have an opportunity to impress and stake their claim for future international honours during camp.

The squad selection follows a competitive Interprovincial campaign, with players using the provincial competition to stake their claim for inclusion and gain valuable match exposure heading into the international season.

Speaking following the squad announcement, Ireland Women’s Head Coach Scott Bemand said: “The WXV Global Series is a hugely exciting addition to the international calendar and creates meaningful, high-level competition for players and teams at a crucial point in the season.

“Coming on the back of a strong Interprovincial Championship, this programme gives us the opportunity to bring together a talented group, continue to develop depth across the squad and provide players with important game-time opportunities in an international environment as we look to carry forward the positive momentum and progress made during the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see seven uncapped players included. The Interpros highlighted the quality of talent coming through the system, and this is an excellent chance for those players to challenge themselves, bring their own strengths to the group and help raise standards as they push for international honours.

“We’re looking forward to getting into camp and beginning preparations for what promises to be some brilliant home games in Dublin, Galway and Cork before we head to South Africa for a two test tour.”

Forwards:

Jemima Adams Verling*(Connacht/Clovers), Sophie Barrett* (Ulster/Wolfhounds), Beth Buttimer* (Munster/Clovers), Eilís Cahill (Munster/Clovers), Ruth Campbell (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Jane Clohessy (Munster/Clovers), Linda Djougang (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Brittany Hogan (Sale Sharks), Neve Jones (Gloucester Hartpury), Kate Jordan*(Leinster/Wolfhounds), Erin King (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Sadhbh McGrath (Ulster/Clovers), Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Sam Monaghan (Gloucester Hartpury), Grace Moore (Munster), Niamh O’Dowd (Gloucester Hartpury), Fiona Tuite O’Sullivan (Ulster/Wolfhounds), Ailish Quinn (Connacht/Clovers), Aoife Wafer (Harlequins), Dorothy Wall (Exeter Chiefs)

Backs:

Enya Breen (Munster/Clovers), Aoife Dalton (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Vicky Elmes Kinlan (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Caitríona Finn* (Munster/Clovers), Stacey Flood (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Niamh Gallagher (Trailfinders), Eve Higgins (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Emily Lane (Munster/Clovers), Lucia Linn*(Munster/Clovers), Anna McGann (Connacht/Clovers), Alana McInerney*(Munster/Clovers), Robyn O’Connor (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Dannah O’Brien (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Béibhinn Parsons (Connacht/Clovers), Aoibheann Reilly (Connacht/Clovers), Katie Whelan (Leinster/Clovers/Wolfhounds **).

*denotes uncapped