Ireland Women's side named for first Six Nations game

The team, announced by Head Coach Tom Tierney, features three uncapped players. Winger Elise O'Byrne-White (Old Belvedere / Leinster) and hooker Zoe Grattage (Tralee / Munster) will win their first caps on Saturday, with Grattage's Tralee and Munster teammate, flanker Ciara Griffin hoping to make her Ireland debut from the bench.

The squad includes seven players who won their first caps last November in the Autumn International against England.

"It's very exciting to have so many new players involved in their first Six Nations game. With some of the girls from last year's campaign involved with the Sevens at the moment, as well as some retirements over the past few seasons, it gives others the opportunity to pull on the green jersey. We're now at a stage where we are developing more and more girls who are capable at competing at international level and it's a great to see,” said Tierney.

Ireland Women v Wales Women.  Donnybrook Stadium, Saturday 6^th February, 1pm
 
15. Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemians / Munster) Captain
14. Elise O'Byrne-White (Old Belvedere / Leinster)*
13. Aine Donnelly (Cill Dara / Leinster)
12. Sene Naoupu (Galwegians / Connacht)
11. Mairead Coyne (Galwegians / Connacht)
10. Nikki Caughey (Railway Union / Ulster)
9. Larissa Muldoon (Skewen)
1. Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
2. Zoe Grattage (Tralee / Munster)*
3. Ruth O'Reilly (Galwegians / Connacht)
4. Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
5. Marie-Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
6. Paula Fitzpatrick (Toulouse)
7. Claire Molloy (Bristol)
8. Heather O'Brien (Toulouse)
 
Replacements
16. Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union / Leinster)
17. Lindsay Peat (Railway Union / Leinster)
18. Fiona Reidy (UL Bohemians / Munster)
19. Ciara Cooney (Railway Union / Leinster)
20. Ciara Griffin (Tralee / Munster)*
21. Mary Healy (Galwegians / Connacht)
22. Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
23. Jackie Shiels (Richmond)