Join the Connacht Rugby WhatsApp channel
Stay up to date with the latest news
Connacht Rugby Women’s head coach Craig Hansberry has named his matchday squad for tomorrow’s Vodafone Interprovincial Championship opener against Ulster at Affidea Stadium (k/o 4.15pm)
The co-captains of flanker Ailish Quinn and scrum-half Aoibheann Reilly will lead out the side, which has a blend of youth and experience across the starting XV.
Meabh Deely is named at out-half with Siofra Hession and Lyndsay Clarke paired together at centre. Irish international Anna McGann is named on the wing after her appearances in the Women’s Six Nations, and she forms a back three with fellow winger Ava Ryder and full-back Clara Barrett.
In the pack, Quinn is joined by fellow flanker Emma Kelly and number 8 Jemima Adams Verling in the back row. Faith Oviawe is named in the second row alongside Emma Fabby, while the front row consists of hooker Kara Mulcahy and props Ella Burns and Lily Morris.
The game will be streamed live on the TG4 YouTube channel.
Commenting on his team selection, Craig Hansberry says:
“It’s been a really positive summer programme so far and we can’t wait to get our championship underway. We’re fortunate to be able to select a squad full of talent, with a nice mix of Irish internationals, established members of the squad from previous years, and some exciting young players coming through the ranks - all of whom are immensely proud to represent Connacht every day in training.
Starting the campaign away from home is always a challenge, especially against an Ulster side who’ll be really targeting this game. But we’re confident in our abilities and if we play to the level I know we’re capable of, we’ll be tough to beat.”
Ulster Women v Connacht Women
Saturday 8th August, 16:15 @ Affidea Stadium
15. Clara Barrett
14. Anna McGann
13. Lyndsay Clarke
12. Siofra Hession
11. Ava Ryder
10. Meabh Deely
9. Aoibheann Reilly (CC)
1. Ella Burns
2. Kara Mulcahy
3. Lily Morris
4. Faith Oviawe
5. Emma Fabby
6. Emma Kelly
7. Ailish Quinn (CC)
8. Jemima Adams Verling
16. Stacy Hanley
17. Laura Scuffil
18. Hannah Rapley
19. Olivia Tallon
20. Hannah Johnston
21. Gráinne Moran
22. Alanna Fitzpatrick
23. Emily Foley
