The short version
- Seven players without international caps have been selected for Ireland's WXV squad.
- The team will face the USA and Japan in September before traveling to South Africa in October.
- Coach Scott Bemand highlighted the depth of talent emerging from the domestic Interprovincial Championship.
Ireland’s national women’s rugby union team has announced a thirty-six-player panel for the upcoming WXV Global Series, featuring seven individuals who have yet to earn their first Test caps. Head coach Scott Bemand indicated that the selection reflects a deliberate strategy to integrate emerging talent into the senior setup while preparing for a demanding autumn schedule. The squad composition signals a transition phase, balancing the need for fresh energy with the stability provided by established internationals.
The seven uncapped selections include forwards Jemima Adams Verling, Sophie Barrett, Beth Buttimer, and Kate Jordan, alongside backs Caitriona Finn, Lucia Linn, and Alana McInerney. These players are expected to compete for starting positions during the series matches. Bemand described the inclusion of these newcomers as particularly satisfying, noting that their performances in the Women’s Interprovincial Championship demonstrated a high level of readiness for international competition.
The WXV Global Series represents a new format in women’s rugby, offering Ireland opportunities to test their squad depth against diverse opponents. The autumn itinerary begins with home fixtures in September, where the Irish team will host the United States and Japan. Following these domestic matches, the squad will travel to South Africa for two Tests in October. An additional friendly match against Japan is also scheduled between the series games, providing further playing time for the expanded roster.
Several of the newly selected players have already been involved with the wider national setup this year. Buttimer, Finn, and McInerney, all representing Munster, were part of the broader Six Nations squad earlier in the season. Similarly, Adams Verling from Connacht and Barrett from Ulster had previous exposure to international training environments. This prior experience suggests that while they are uncapped at Test level, they are not entirely new to the demands of high-performance rugby.
In contrast, second-row forward Kate Jordan and centre Lucia Linn have received their first call-ups to the national squad. Their selection underscores the depth available within the domestic league structure. Munster has dominated the Interprovincial Championship this season, securing three wins from three matches before advancing to the final against Leinster. The success of provincial teams appears to be a key factor in identifying talent for the national side.
The squad also includes players based outside Ireland, reflecting the global nature of modern rugby recruitment. Eight athletes currently playing in England have been named in the panel. Neve Jones, Niamh O’Dowd, and Sam Monaghan from Gloucester Hartpury are among those selected, along with Brittany Hogan from Sale Sharks and Niamh Gallagher from Trailfinders. Exeter Chiefs players Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald and Dorothy Wall have also been included, although their teammate Nancy McGillivray was not selected for this tour.
Beibhinn Parsons, a wing player for Connacht, has been named in the squad despite missing the first three games of the provincial season due to injury. Her inclusion indicates that her fitness levels have recovered sufficiently to contribute to the national team’s objectives. The mix of returning injured players and fresh faces adds complexity to the selection process, requiring careful management of workloads and form.
Bemand emphasized that the Interprovincial Championship served as a crucial proving ground for these athletes. He noted that the competition highlighted the quality of talent progressing through the domestic system. By integrating these players into the WXV squad, the coaching staff aims to raise overall standards and foster healthy competition within the group. The upcoming matches will serve as a critical assessment of how well these newcomers adapt to international pressure.
The schedule begins on September 20 with a match against the USA in Dublin, followed by a game against Japan in Galway on September 27. The team will then travel to Cape Town for two consecutive Tests against South Africa on October 24 and October 31. These fixtures provide a rigorous test of the squad’s resilience and tactical flexibility. The outcome of these matches will likely influence future selection decisions and the long-term development strategy for Irish women’s rugby.
As the series approaches, attention will focus on how the uncapped players perform against established international sides. The integration of new talent is essential for sustaining competitive performance over time. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, Ireland faces an opportunity to strengthen its position in global women’s rugby while identifying future leaders for the national team.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Seven uncapped players in Ireland's WXV squad
