Ireland women’s rugby are preparing for a demanding South African challenge after head coach Scott Bemand named a 30-player squad for two WXV Global Series Tests in Cape Town later this month.
Captain Erin King will lead the group as Ireland build on their recent home victories over Japan and continue an important autumn campaign against the Springbok Women.
Ireland rugby squad set for back-to-back South Africa Tests
Ireland will face South Africa at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, 24 October, before returning to the same venue for the second Test on Saturday, 31 October. Both matches will kick off at 2pm Irish time and will be broadcast live on Spórt TG4.
The fixtures represent a significant test for Bemand’s side. Ireland opened their Vodafone Ireland WXV Series programme with home games against the USA and Japan, and the trip to Cape Town now offers a chance to measure the team against a physical and improving South African outfit.
With two Tests in seven days, squad depth, recovery and tactical discipline will be central to Ireland’s hopes. The travelling group includes a blend of established internationals, returning players and recently capped talent.
New caps and returning experience included
Beth Buttimer, Jemima Adams Verling, Kate Jordan, Sophie Barrett and Alana McInerney are all included after making their first appearances for Ireland. Their selection underlines the continued effort to develop competition across the squad.
Second row Ruth Campbell also returns after injury, strengthening Ireland’s options in the pack. However, Sam Monaghan and Aoife Wafer will miss both Tests, leaving Bemand to reshape parts of his forward unit for the South African contest.
Erin King to captain a balanced Ireland group
King, who plays her club rugby with Old Belvedere and represents Leinster, will captain the 30-player touring party. She is part of a forward group that also features Brittany Hogan, Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Dorothy Wall, Linda Djougang, Neve Jones and Niamh O’Dowd.
The backs provide considerable experience and attacking variety. Aoife Dalton, Béibhinn Parsons, Dannah O’Brien, Emily Lane, Enya Breen, Eve Higgins and Stacey Flood are among the players selected, while young options such as Alana McInerney and Niamh Gallagher add further depth.
Ireland’s squad includes players from clubs and provinces across the country, alongside members of the professional game in England. That spread reflects the importance of domestic clubs to Irish women’s rugby and the pathway into the international side.
Full Ireland squad for the WXV Global Series
Forwards: Beth Buttimer, Brittany Hogan, Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Dorothy Wall, Eilís Cahill, Erin King, Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan, Grace Moore, Jane Clohessy, Jemima Adams Verling, Kate Jordan, Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Niamh O’Dowd, Ruth Campbell, Sadhbh McGrath and Sophie Barrett.
Backs: Alana McInerney, Anna McGann, Aoibheann Reilly, Aoife Dalton, Béibhinn Parsons, Dannah O’Brien, Emily Lane, Enya Breen, Eve Higgins, Niamh Gallagher, Robyn O’Connor, Stacey Flood and Vicky Elmes Kinlan.
Preparation begins at the IRFU High Performance Centre
Following a remote training week after the wins over Japan in Galway and Cork, the squad will reunite at the IRFU High Performance Centre on Monday. The team is due to travel to Cape Town on Thursday, allowing preparations to intensify ahead of the opening Test.
The two-match format should provide a useful examination of Ireland’s adaptability. The first game may establish the tone, but the second will test how effectively the squad manages injuries, fatigue and any tactical adjustments made by both coaching teams.
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What to watch in Cape Town
For Ireland, the immediate priorities will be a strong set-piece, accurate discipline and the ability to maintain attacking pressure across two demanding Tests. King’s leadership will be important, particularly with senior players unavailable and several newer internationals gaining valuable experience.
The opening match takes place on 24 October, with the return fixture following one week later. Both games will be available live on Spórt TG4, giving supporters in Ireland the chance to follow the next stage of the women’s rugby campaign.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
