Ulster have nailed down continuity ahead of a crucial new campaign, with India Daley retained as captain for the 2026 Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship. For followers of sports ireland and ireland sports news, it is a significant early signal that Ulster want leadership, depth and momentum as the new season approaches.
Head coach Murray Houston has named a 34-player panel, backed by 13 development players, for a squad that blends proven performers with emerging talent. Daley, from Enniskillen, led the province last year and will again be the central figure as Ulster target strong displays across a demanding Interpro schedule.
Sports Ireland update as Ulster back Daley’s leadership
Daley’s reappointment is one of the standout calls in the latest ireland sports updates, particularly in the growing landscape of ireland women sports and rugby ireland. She described the role as a “huge honour”, underlining how much provincial representation means to the squad.
Ulster have also appointed Abby Moyles and dual Ireland international Claire Boles as vice-captains, adding further experience to the leadership group. That should matter in tight games, especially with a squad combining established names and younger players stepping into a higher-performance environment.
- India Daley continues as captain
- Abby Moyles and Claire Boles named vice-captains
- 34-player squad confirmed, plus 13 development players
- Fiona Tuite and Sadhbh McGrath add top-level quality
Houston said he was pleased with the balance in the panel, pointing to a strong core and several players who have earned their chance. It is the kind of squad-building approach that often shapes ireland sports analysis around provincial rugby.
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Ulster women squad boosted by experience and pathway success
There is real substance in the selection. Ireland forwards Fiona Tuite and Sadhbh McGrath return to Interpro involvement and give Ulster extra bite up front. Their presence should help younger forwards settle quickly and sharpen Ulster’s edge at set-piece and breakdown time.
Another positive for sports ireland coverage is the continued success of the player pathway. Eight members of the squad featured in the Wolfhounds’ successful Celtic Challenge title defence, a sign that players are progressing through development structures into senior provincial rugby.
Winger Niamh Marley also arrives with strong momentum after being recognised as Ulster Women’s Player of the Year for her 2025/26 displays. Across the squad, club representation reflects the healthy spread of talent in the province, including Enniskillen, Queen’s University, Cooke, Clogher Valley, Ballymena, Banbridge and Virginia.
Fresh coaching voices added
Houston’s coaching group has also been refreshed. Former Ulster back rower Reuben Crothers joins as lineout coach, while Grand Slam winner Grace Davitt will coach the backs. Ireland and Ulster centre James Hume comes in as skills coach, and Griffin Phillipson takes on scrum and defence duties.
That mix of current insight and recent playing experience could be a major factor in ireland rugby results later in the competition.
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Fixtures, live coverage and what to watch next
Ulster open at home to Connacht on August 8 at Affidea Stadium before travelling to Cork to face Munster. They then return to Belfast for a final-round clash with Leinster on August 22, with finals day set for August 29 at Dexcom Stadium.
Supporters will be able to follow every game live on the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel, an important boost for ireland live sports audiences and for the visibility of women’s rugby in ireland sports culture.
The key question now is whether this group can turn promise into results. With Daley leading, experienced internationals back in the fold and fresh coaching input across the programme, Ulster look well placed to make a serious impact. For anyone tracking sports ireland, the next step is clear: watch how this leadership group sets the tone when the Interpro campaign kicks off.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
