Five Uncapped Players In Ireland Squad For First November Series
Tom Tierney has included five uncapped players in his 31-woman squad ahead of Ireland's first ever November Series.
The Irish head coach is gearing his players up for clashes with England, Canada and New Zealand as preparation for next year's World Cup in Ireland really intensifies.
There are three Munster forwards; prop Leah Lyons, Chloe Pearse and fellow back rower Anna Caplice who has been capped for Ireland in Sevens rugby.
Connacht second-row Nichola Fryday and centre Nicole Fowley are also included.
Tierney has been happy with the progress made by some of the newer members of his squad.
"A number of the players selected made their debuts against England last November and since then have continued to develop as players with their clubs, provinces and with Ireland during last season's Six Nations.
"We've also included some uncapped players who have been performing well for their clubs this season in the All-Ireland League."
All three games will be hosted at the UCD Bowl, starting off with world champs England on November 13, followed six days later by the clash with the Canadians before they take on the All Blacks on November 27.
Tierney believes that the games are key in the squad's preparation for the big tournament next year.
"Kicking off against World Cup holders England, followed by World Cup runners up Canada and then finally New Zealand, who are coming to Europe off the back of two strong wins against Australia, it's going to be a very demanding series of games, but it is not too dis-similar to a World Cup scenario, so with that in mind, it's important that we have a squad of players who can step in when required.”
Ireland Women's Squad for Two Day Camp;
Forwards
Anna Caplice – (UL Bohemians / Munster)*
Ciara Cooney – (Railway Union / Leinster)
Ailis Egan – (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Paul Fitzpatrick - (St. Mary's RFC / Leinster)
Orla Fitzsimons - (St. Mary's RFC / Leinster)
Nichola Fryday - (Tullamore RFC / Connacht)*
Zoe Grattage - (Highfield RFC / Munster)
Ciara Griffin - (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Fiona Hayes - (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Leah Lyons - (Highfield RFC / Munster)*
Claire Molloy - (Bristol Ladies)
Cliodhna Moloney - (Railway Union / Leinster)
Katie Norris - (Blackrock RFC / Leinster)
Chloe Pearse - (UL Bohemians / Munster)*
Lindsay Peat - (Railway Union / Leinster)
Fiona Reidy - (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Marie-Louise Reilly - (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Sophie Spence - (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Backs
Niamh Briggs - (UL Bohemians / Munster) Captain
Liz Burke - (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Nikki Caughey – (Railway Union / Ulster)
Mairead Coyne - (Galwegians / Connacht)
Nicole Fowley - (Galwegians / Connacht)*
Mary Healy - (Galwegians / Connacht)
Niamh Kavanagh - (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Claire McLaughlin – (Cooke / Ulster)
Alison Miller - (Old Belvedere / Connacht)
Larissa Muldoon – (Railway Union / Leinster)
Sene Naoupu - (Aylesbury Bulls)
Jackie Shiels - (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Nora Stapleton - (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
*denotes uncapped