Ulster have made an early statement ahead of the new Women’s Interprovincial campaign, with India Daley confirmed to lead the province again in one of the standout stories in sports ireland this week. The Enniskillen forward retains the captaincy for 2026 as Ulster aim to turn a promising blend of senior experience and rising youth talent into a serious championship challenge.
Head coach Murray Houston has named a 34-player squad for the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship, with Abby Moyles and Ireland dual international Claire Boles selected as vice-captains. For followers of ireland sports news and ireland rugby, the selection points to continuity at the top and fresh energy throughout the panel.
Sports Ireland Focus: Daley Leads an Ulster Squad Built on Balance
Daley’s reappointment gives Ulster a familiar on-field leader as preparations intensify. She described the role as a major honour and said the group is eager to reward supporters with performances to be proud of. That message will resonate across irish sports audiences, especially those tracking ireland women sports and grassroots development.
Houston has leaned into balance rather than overhaul. His squad combines established provincial performers with younger players who have forced their way into contention through form and consistency. There are also 13 development players involved across training and fixtures, underlining a pathway approach that matters in ireland community sports and ireland youth sports.
- India Daley continues as captain
- Abby Moyles and Claire Boles named vice-captains
- 34-player senior squad announced
- 13 development players included in the wider programme
Big Names Add Weight Up Front
Ulster are boosted by the return of Ireland forwards Fiona Tuite and Sadhbh McGrath, two players capable of raising the standard in key moments. Their inclusion gives the pack extra power and know-how, a major asset in a competition where narrow margins often define the table.
Eight players from the squad were also part of the Wolfhounds side that retained the Celtic Challenge title, another sign that Ulster’s player pathway is producing talent ready for higher-level rugby ireland competition. Winger Niamh Marley, named Ulster Women’s Player of the Year after an impressive provincial season, is another name to watch.
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Clubs, Coaches and the Bigger Picture for Ireland Rugby
The squad reflects the broad spread of women’s rugby across the province. Enniskillen, fresh from promotion to the Energia All-Ireland League, are represented alongside Queen’s University, Cooke, Clogher Valley, Ballymena, Banbridge and Virginia. That club spread is important not only for ireland rugby fixtures talk, but for the wider health of local player development.
Ulster have also refreshed their coaching setup. Former Ulster back rower and Ireland Under-20 captain Reuben Crothers joins as lineout coach, while Grand Slam winner Grace Davitt takes charge of the backs. Ireland centre James Hume comes in as skills coach, and Griffin Phillipson has been appointed scrum and defence coach.
This is more than a standard squad announcement. It is a clear sign that Ulster want sharper detail around set-piece work, skill execution and defensive edge before the first whistle blows.
Fixtures, Venue and What Happens Next
Ulster open their campaign at home to Connacht at Affidea Stadium on August 8. They then travel to Cork to face Munster before returning to Belfast for a final-round clash with Leinster on August 22. Finals day is set for August 29 at Dexcom Stadium, with every match available live on the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel.
- August 8: Ulster v Connacht, Affidea Stadium
- Away trip to Munster in Cork
- August 22: Ulster v Leinster, Belfast
- August 29: Finals day at Dexcom Stadium
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For sports ireland followers, the key watch now is whether Daley’s leadership, Ulster’s strengthened pack and a revamped coaching team can turn potential into results. With home fixtures, experienced internationals and strong provincial depth, Ulster have given themselves a platform. The next step is simple: carry that promise into the Interpros and show they can stay in the title conversation from the opening round.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
