Six debuts in Ireland women’s side for historic England clash

Ireland head coach Tom Tierney has included six uncapped players in the Ireland women's side for Saturday's historic first November international against England at the Twickenham Stoop (3pm).

There are two debut wingers in Blackrock and Leinster's Jeamie Deacon on the right wing, while Connacht and Galwegians' Mairead Coyne has been named on the left.

The other debut in the backs sees Cill Dara and Leinster's Aine Donnelly named at outside centre beside Jackie Shiels.

Niamh Briggs will captain the side from fullback, with Sene Naoupu and Larissa Muldoon named at halfback.

Cliodhna Moloney will make her first international start at hooker, the railway Union player packing down between Ruth O'Reilly and Ailis Egan.

There will be an all-new secondrow with Elaine Anthony of Highfield and Munster lining up next to Ciara Cooney of Galwegians and Connacht.

There are also four uncapped players on the bench, including backrow forward Lindsay Peat, who has already been capped for Ireland at basketball. She also plays Gaelic football with Dublin.

Speaking ahead of the game, Tierney said: “We are looking forward to the game this weekend. It’s the first time we have played an autumn international which is another step in the development in women’s rugby. We have an opportunity to have a look at some new players and combinations building towards the Six Nations.”

IRELAND (v England, Twickenham Stoop, Saturday November 14th, 3pm; * denotes uncapped player): Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemian/Munster, Capt); Jeamie Deacon (Blackrock/Leinster)*, Aine Donnelly (Cill Dara/Leinster)*, Jackie Shiels (Richmond/Exiles), Mairead Coyne (Galwegians/Connacht)*; Sene Naoupu (Galwegians/Connacht), Larissa Muldoon (Skewen/Exile); Ruth O'Reilly (Galwegians/Connacht), Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union/Leinster)*, Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/Leinster); Elaine Anthony (Highfield/Munster)*, Ciara Cooney (Galwegians/Connacht)*; Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Paula Fitzpatrick (Stade Toulousain), Heather O'Brien (Stade Toulousain).

Replacements: Zoe Grattage (Tralee/Munster)*, Fiona Reidy (UL Bohemian/Munster), Fiona O'Brien (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Katie Norris (Blackrock/Leinster), Lindsay Peat (Railway Union/Leinster)*, Mary Healy (Galwegians/Connacht)*, Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Claire McLaughlin (Queen's University/Ulster)*