Cronin Comes Into Ireland Sevens Squad

The Ireland Women’s Sevens Squad to play in the second round of European Olympic Qualifiers this weekend has been named.

Shannon's Nicole Cronin joins the squad as the Munster contingent increases to four with Claire Keohane, Louise Galvin and Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe keeping their places in the squad.

Ireland, having won the Plate trophy in the opening round of competition in Russia last weekend, will share a pool with England, Scotland and Germany.

There are three changes to the squad from the Kazan tournament as Cronin, the 2014 IRUPA Women's Sevens Player of the Year, and Grand Slam winner Ashleigh Baxter return from their long-term injuries.

Audrey O'Flynn, the 120-times capped Hockey international and cousin of Mick O'Driscoll, is another notable inclusion as she prepares to make her international Sevens debut for Ireland.

Jenny Murphy, who sat out the opening leg, remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, while Megan Williams is absent too after sustaining a bad knock to her fibula and bone bruising during last weekend's games.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens said, "We are looking to build on last week's performance. We have a difficult competition ahead of us with the three teams in our pool competing on the World Circuit.

"We are hoping to progress to the Cup final this week.”

Ireland Women's Sevens Squad (Round 2, European Olympic Qualifiers – Brive, France, 20 – 21 June)

Shannon Houston (Blackrock/Leinster)
Audrey O' Flynn (TID)
Nicole Cronin (Shannon/Munster)
Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe (St Mary's/Munster)
Eimear Considine (TID)
Ashleigh Baxter (Cooke/Ulster)
Katie Fitzhenry (Blackrock/Leinster)
Claire Keohane (UL Bohemian/Munster)
Lucy Mulhall (TID) Capt
Claire Molloy (Bristol/Connacht)
Louise Galvin (UL Bohemian/Munster)
Alison Miller (Portlaoise/Connacht)

Ireland Women's Sevens Fixtures (All times are Local)
Saturday, 20th June
11.50 – Ireland v Scotland
14.50 – Ireland v Germany
17.28 – Ireland v England

Sunday, 21st June
Play-offs