Women’s Side Named For France

Ireland Women Head Coach Tom Tierney has named his side to face France in the 6 Nations on Friday night and includes three Munster players.

Munster’s representation remains the same this weekend with captain Niamh Briggs and Heather O’Brien, both of whom scored a try last weekend, starting at full-back and number 8 respectively, while Fiona Hayes is named amongst the replacements.

In total Tierney makes just one change to the side that overcame Italy last Friday night. Katie Fitzhenry has been promoted from the bench to start in the centre with Jackie Shiels named among the replacements.

Hoping to continue winning ways on the first home encounter of the competition Tierney said, "It was great to get the result last week and there was some good things we can take out of the Italy clash. This week sees another step up for the players in terms of opposition.”

"Playing at home is a great plus for us and hopefully we will have a big Ashbourne crowd to make it a good atmosphere to help give those home supporters a good performance and a win.”

The game will be streamed live on www.IrishRugby.ie with a commentary team that includes former Women's International Fiona Coghlan.

Ireland Women's Team & Replacements (v France Women. Ashbourne RFC, Meath – Kick-off 19.30hrs):

15 – Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemian/ Munster) (Capt)
14 – Hannah Tyrrell (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
13 – Jenny Murphy (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
12 – Katie Fitzhenry (Blackrock/ Leinster)
11 – Alison Miller (Portlaoise/Connacht)
10 – Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
9 – Larissa Muldoon (Skewen RFC)
1 – Ruth O'Reilly (Galwegians/ Connacht)
2 – Gillian Bourke (Olympico de Pozuelo RFC)
3 – Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
4 – Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
5 –Marie Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
6 – Paula Fitzpatrick (St Marys/ Leinster)
7 – Claire Molloy (Bristol/ Connacht)
8 – Heather O'Brien (Highfield/ Munster)

16 – Sarah Mimnagh (Wasps/Exiles)
17 – Fiona Hayes (UL Bohemian/ Munster)
18 – Fiona O'Brien (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)
19 – Orla Fitzsimons (St Marys/ Leinster)
20 – Katie Norris (Blackrock / Leinster)
21 – Tania Rosser (Blackrock/ Leinster)
22 – Jackie Shiels (Richmond/ Exiles)
23 – Sene Naoupu (Galwegians/Connacht)