Ireland women’s rugby return to Cork on Saturday with confidence high and fresh faces ready to make their mark. Head coach Scott Bemand has named his Ireland team to face Japan at Virgin Media Park, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.
The fixture is the final match in Ireland’s current run of three home Tests and comes just one week after Ireland defeated Japan in Galway during the Vodafone Ireland WXV Series. While the result will matter, the game also offers another important chance to build depth in the Ireland squad.
Ireland team brings new combinations and Test opportunities
Niamh Gallagher and Jane Clohessy are both set to make their first starts for Ireland. Gallagher lines out at full-back, while Clohessy partners Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan in the second row.
There could also be three senior debuts from the bench. Sophie Barrett, Kate Jordan and Alana McInerney have all been included in the match-day squad for the first time, underlining the growing competition for places across the team.
McInerney’s selection follows a series of strong performances for Munster in the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship. Barrett and Jordan are also rewarded with opportunities to step into the international environment as Ireland continue to develop their wider playing group.
Ireland starting XV
- 15: Niamh Gallagher
- 14: Béibhinn Parsons
- 13: Anna McGann
- 12: Aoife Dalton
- 11: Robyn O’Connor
- 10: Dannah O’Brien
- 9: Emily Lane
- 1: Linda Djougang
- 2: Neve Jones
- 3: Eilís Cahill
- 4: Jane Clohessy
- 5: Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan
- 6: Brittany Hogan
- 7: Erin King, captain
- 8: Jemima Adams Verling
Key battles across the Ireland pack and backline
Captain Erin King remains central to the back-row balance at openside flanker, with Brittany Hogan selected on the blindside and Jemima Adams Verling continuing at number eight. Their work at the breakdown and in defence will be crucial against a Japan side known for its pace and ability to move the ball quickly.
Behind the scrum, Emily Lane and Dannah O’Brien continue the half-back pairing, while Anna McGann and Aoife Dalton form the centre partnership. With Parsons and O’Connor on the wings, Ireland have a back three capable of turning possession into attacking territory.
The selection also gives Gallagher the opportunity to establish herself at full-back in a starting role. Her positioning under the high ball, communication with the wings and ability to launch counterattacks will be closely watched at Virgin Media Park.
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Strong provincial links in Ireland’s squad
The squad reflects the importance of club and provincial rugby in the development of Ireland women’s rugby. Players from Leinster, Munster, Connacht and Ulster feature throughout the match-day 23, alongside representatives based with clubs in Ireland and abroad.
That pathway is particularly visible among the replacements. Beth Buttimer and Sadhbh McGrath provide front-row cover, while Grace Moore adds experience among the forwards. Aoibheann Reilly, Enya Breen and McInerney offer further options in the backline.
For the uncapped players, the occasion could be a significant step in their careers. A debut from the bench would give them the chance to experience the intensity of Test rugby while contributing to a team aiming to finish its home series strongly.
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Where to watch Ireland v Japan
Saturday’s Ireland v Japan Test will be streamed live on IrishRugby+. Tickets are available through general sale via Ticketmaster, giving supporters the chance to see Ireland’s developing squad in Cork.
The match represents more than a repeat meeting with Japan. It is another test of Ireland’s progress, another opportunity for emerging players and a chance for Bemand’s side to build momentum through regular international competition.
What to watch next
Attention will focus on whether Ireland can reproduce the intensity and discipline that delivered victory in Galway, while the performances of Gallagher, Clohessy and the potential debutants will offer an early indication of the squad’s next phase.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
