Sam Monaghan has fully recovered from an injury that had initially caused her to miss a defeat to England, and is set to resume her duties as co-captain in preparation for Ireland’s final Six Nations match against the Scots. The Gloucester lock is one of three changes that have been made to the Ireland Women’s rugby team lineup, alongside the reimposition of Enya Breen in the centre, replacing Aoife Dalton, as well as Méabh Deely making her debut start of the tournament as the fullback. Lauren Delany unfortunately won’t be a part of the 23-woman squad.
On the sidelines, after a commendable performance in the recent Celtic Challenge for the Wolfhounds, Katie Heffernan, a Railway winger, is now a contender for her first cap. Alongside Monaghan as co-captain, Edel McMahon maintains her position in a back row that also includes Brittany Hogan and Aoife Wafer. Dorothy Wall also retains her spot as a lock, in partnership with Monaghan whilst the usual front row ensemble of Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, and Christy Haney remains the same.
Dannah O’Brien and Aoibheann Riley will once again pair up as the halfbacks, whilst Eve Higgins keeps her position in the outside centre role with Breen. The back three formation is completed by Beibhinn Parsons and Katie Corrigan, with Deely alongside them.
On the reserves list, Clíodhna Moloney, Niamh O’Dowd, Sadhbh McGrath, Fiona Tuite and Shannon Ikahihifo will provide backup for the forwards. Meanwhile, the replacements for the backline are Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Dalton and Heffernan.
Ireland’s squad: Méabh Deely; Katie Corrigan, Eve Higgins, Enya Breen, Béibhinn Parsons; Dannah O’Brien, Aoibheann Riley; Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Christy Haney; Dorothy Wall, Sam Monaghan (co-captain); Aoife Wafer, Edel McMahon (co-captain), Brittany Hogan. Substitutes: Clíodhna Moloney, Niamh O’Dowd, Sadhbh McGrath, Fiona Tuite, Shannon Ikahihifo, Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Aoife Dalton, Katie Heffernan.