O’Brien Relishing French Challenge

The Ireland Women’s side continue their Six Nations campaign against France in Ashbourne tonight looking to build on last week’s opening day win over Italy.

Munster and Ireland no. 8 Heather O’Brien is relishing the prospect of facing a very difficult challenge as her side look to bounce back after a defeat to Les Bleus in last year’s Championship.

“The French game is always a big one because they can play any type of rugby,” explains O’Brien. “They can make the hard yards and they can play the fancy stuff so you don’t know what to expect with them which is brilliant. It’s what makes rugby exciting so we’re definitely looking forward to it,” added the chartered physiotherapist.

O'Brien was one of three Munster players named in the initial squad along with captain Niamh Briggs and Fiona Hayes. There was a late change this morning with Shannon's Aoife Doyle drafted into the side to make her debut on the wing in place of the injured Hannah Tyrrell.

Highfield star O'Brien scored one of five Irish tries in wet and windy Florence last Friday night and the Cork woman was relieved to start the campaign with a win.

“It was a bit scrappy with the conditions and they’re always a physical team to play against,” says O’Brien. “We haven’t had a whole lot of time together as a squad so it was a relief to get a win under our belts.

“We’re conscious that it wasn’t perfect and there are things we need to improve on but scoring a few tries away from home is definitely a great start!”

O’Brien first played rugby for the Murrayfield Wanderers while studying in Scotland. She didn’t play in her teenage years as her local club didn’t cater for girls’ rugby at the time.

But the success of the O’Brien and her team-mates on the international stage has been a catalyst for a huge increase in the formation of girls’ and women’s teams all over the country.

“The sport has gotten more attention off the back of the World Cup in the summer and the Grand Slam a few years ago,” she says. “When I was growing up there wasn’t any team that I could have played for but at least now kids can play. And the more younger people who play the better, so that’s definitely something we hope will continue.”

Tonight's round 2 match will be streamed live on www.IrishRugby.ie with a commentary team that includes former Ireland Women's captain Fiona Coghlan. Match tickets are priced at €;10 for adults and €;5 for OAPs, students and children. Supporters can pay at the gate.

Match Facts
– The Ireland Women are seeking to get their Six Nations campaign started with a pair of victories for a third successive year.

– Ireland have won their last eight home games (seven at Ashbourne) since England beat them there 31-0 in March 2011.

– The France Women have lost just one of their last 13 Test matches: 18-16 to Canada in last year's World Cup.

– France have not lost in the Six Nations since Ireland beat them at Ashbourne in 2013.

– Ireland Women's only two victories over France in 22 previous meetings have both been at Ashbourne in 2009 and 2013.

Recent Meetings

2013: Women's Six Nations: Ireland Women 15-10 France Women, Ashbourne RFC.

2014: Women's Six Nations: France Women 19-15 Ireland Women Women's Rugby World Cup 3rd-4th Place Play-Off: Ireland Women 18-25 France Women;