Ulster have made an early statement ahead of the 2026 Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship, with India Daley confirmed to lead the side again. In a significant update for sports ireland followers and fans of ireland rugby, the Enniskillen forward will captain Ulster for a second straight season as Murray Houston names a 34-player squad packed with experience, youth and real provincial ambition.
Daley’s reappointment gives Ulster continuity at a key moment. After leading the team last year, she remains a central figure as the province targets a stronger campaign and looks to build momentum across the women’s game in Ulster. Abby Moyles and dual international Claire Boles have been named vice-captains, adding further leadership to a group that looks well balanced for the weeks ahead.
Sports Ireland boost as Ulster women back India Daley
Houston has blended established performers with emerging talent, while also bringing 13 development players into the wider training set-up. That approach underlines the strength of the pathway in women’s rugby and reflects a broader trend in ireland sports news, where youth development and ireland women sports stories are drawing increased attention.
Ulster have also been boosted by the return of Ireland forwards Fiona Tuite and Sadhbh McGrath, both of whom bring top-level quality and valuable Interpro experience. Their inclusion should add power and composure to a pack that already has depth.
Speaking after the announcement, Houston said he was pleased by the squad’s balance, pointing to the mix of hardened provincial players and younger athletes who have earned their chance. Daley, meanwhile, described it as a “huge honour” to captain Ulster again, stressing how proud she is to represent the province and lead a group eager to deliver performances supporters can get behind.
A squad shaped by depth, form and player pathway progress
There is further evidence of progression in the number of players coming through successful representative programmes. Eight members of the squad were part of the Wolfhounds group that defended the Celtic Challenge title, showing how provincial structures are helping players step into high-performance environments.
Winger Niamh Marley also arrives with recognition after being named Ulster Women’s Player of the Year for 2025/26, another positive sign for a squad that appears to have genuine competition for places.
Clubs represented across the panel include:
- Enniskillen
- Queen’s University
- Cooke
- Clogher Valley
- Ballymena
- Banbridge
- Virginia
That spread matters. It highlights the growth of women’s rugby at community level and ties into the wider ireland sports culture conversation, where grassroots structures are increasingly shaping elite squads.
Fresh coaching voices and key fixtures to watch
Ulster’s coaching group has also been refreshed. Former Ulster back rower Reuben Crothers joins as lineout coach, while 2013 Grand Slam winner Grace Davitt will coach the backs. Ireland centre James Hume comes in as skills coach, and Griffin Phillipson has been appointed scrum and defence coach.
Those additions bring new ideas and strong rugby credentials into the set-up just ahead of a crucial run of matches. Ulster open at home to Connacht on August 8 at Affidea Stadium, then travel to Cork to meet Munster before hosting Leinster in their final round-robin game in Belfast on August 22. All roads then lead to finals day at Dexcom Stadium on August 29.
For fans following ireland rugby fixtures and ireland live sports, every Interprovincial game will again be shown live on the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel.
What happens next
Ulster now move from squad announcement to championship mode. With India Daley staying at the front of the group, proven internationals returning, and a deeper coaching ticket in place, there is real reason for optimism. For readers tracking sports ireland and the latest ireland rugby results and previews, the next thing to watch is simple: whether this promising Ulster panel can turn potential into a serious Interpro challenge.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
