Ireland Lose Three Players For Crucial Six Nations Clash With France

Ireland are to be without three of their key players for this weekend’s clash with France.

Sene Naoupu, Alison Miller and Hannah Tyrrell will all miss Ireland’s Women’s Six Nations clash with France after being called up the the sevens squad.

Considering the fact that Ireland will be hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup this year, a strong showing in the Six Nations is a must if they are to seriously consider challenging as hosts, with this news coming as a huge blow.

Miller, Tyrrell and Naoupu are all contracted to the IRFU under the Sevens programme, hence the ability to pluck them for the championship side.

Head coach Tom Tierney said they will now look to continue to develop depth in their squad.

“We’ve got a couple of players getting their first Six Nations starts of this season, and we’re looking to continue to give players more game time as we continue to develop depth in the squad ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August.”

Ireland (v France):

15. Mairead Coyne
14. Kim Flood
13. Jenny Murphy
12. Claire Mc Laughlin
11. Eimear Considine
10. Nora Stapleton
9. Mary Healy

1. Lindsay Peat
2. Leah Lyons
3. Ailis Egan
4. Sophie Spence
5. Marie-Louise Reilly
6. Ciara Griffin (
7. Claire Molloy
8. Paula Fitzpatrick (captain)

Replacements: 

16. Ciara O Connor
17. Ilse Van Staden
18. Ruth O’Reilly
19. Ciara Cooney
20. Nichola Fryday
21. Larissa Muldoon
22. Nikki Caughey
23. Louise Galvin