Niamh Briggs Named Munster Captain

Head Coach Wayne Falvey has appointed Munster stalwart Niamh Briggs captain of the Munster Women’s side as they bid to retain their Interprovincial Championship title for 2015/16.

As one of the country’s most experienced players Niamh captained Ireland in last season’s Six Nations Championship when they claimed the trophy for the second time.

Waterford native Niamh now 30, began her rugby career at Dungarvan aged 21 before making a move to senior rugby with Clonmel.

The Limerick based Garda now plays her club rugby with UL Bohemian and will by flanked by her Ireland colleague, Highfield’s Heather O’Brien, who has been named Assistant Captain.

Since her Munster debut in 2006, Niamh has claimed a total of six interprovincial titles and has been capped for her province on 22 occasions.

The full-back has played in two world cups and was instrumental in Ireland’s famous win over the Black Ferns (New Zealand Women) for the first time in history.

As a sporting all-rounder Niamh represented Waterford in All-Ireland Intermediate Gaelic football in 2010 and that year also competed in the Women's Rugby World Cup in England.

Awarded the Munster, Ireland and World Player of the Year titles in 2013, Niamh was the leading points scorer in Ireland's Six Nations Grand Slam success that year, scoring 3 tries and kicking 28 points.

Leading from the fore Niamh was pivotal in Ireland’s must win 2015 Six Nations title decider against Scotland, scoring a try and kicking 12 points to claim a 73-3 victory and lift the trophy on the day of her 50th cap.

Speaking on her appointment Niamh said “I was delighted when I was asked to captain my home club and it is a huge honour to represent the province. Munster has a unique culture which has always been about spirit and I feel very humbled to be a part of it.

“I am a strong advocate for the interpros and it’s great to see so many new girls come into our squad this season. We’ve worked incredibly hard for the last 14 weeks and the lads behind the scenes have put an enormous amount of effort into getting us ready for the championship.

“It’s also great to see an ‘A’ squad introduced this year giving more players a pathway for provincial rugby. These players will go back to their clubs after the interpros, having gained lots of experience which raises the standard of club rugby throughout the province.

“There are a lot of young talented players in both squads and I have no doubt many of them will go on to play for Ireland in the future.”

Munster Interprovincial Fixtures

Connacht v Munster, Saturday, 22nd August, Connacht, Sportsground, Kick-off 3.00pm
Munster v Ulster, Saturday, 29th August, Thomond Park Stadium, Kick-off 2.30pm
Munster v Leinster, Saturday, 5th September, Thomond Park Stadium, Kick-off 2.30pm

Munster Women's Squad 2015/16

Amy Desmond (Highfield)
Anneline Weinmann (Ballincollig) *
Aoife Moore (Highfield) *
Chloe Pearse (Shannon) *
Ciara Griffin (Tralee)
Clodagh O'Halloran (St. Senans) *
Danielle Morgan (Highfield) *
Deirbhile Nic A Bhaird (Highfield)
Edel Murphy (UL Bohs) *
Elaine Anthony (Highfield)
Ellen Murphy (Highfield) *
Fiona Reidy (UL Bohs)
Gerda Coyne (Highfield)
Heather O'Brien (Highfield)
Jayne Pennefather (Highfield) *
Kate McCarthy (Shannon) *
Laura O'Mahony (Tralee)
Leah Lyons (Highfield)
Linda McNamara (Ballincollig) *
Lisa Loughnane (St. Senans) *
Liz Burke (UL Bohs) *
Maura Collins (Abbeyfeale)
Mona Fehily (Highfield)
Niamh Briggs (UL Bohs)
Niamh English (Highfield)
Niamh Kavanagh (UL Bohs)
Niamh O'Sullivan (UL Bohs) *
Nicola Scully (Highfield)
Roisin Ormond (Highfield)
Siobhan Fleming (Tralee)
Valerie Power (Shannon) *
Zoe Grattage (Highfield)

*Denotes uncapped players

Munster Women's Management Team

Team Manager – Dara O'Tuama
Head Coach – Wayne Falvey
Assistant Coach – David Sweeney
Physio – Joe Normolye
Strength & Conditioning – Danielle Cunningham & Kieran O'Byrne