ireland’s world Cup Squad Bolstered by New Caps Amid pathway Questions
Ireland’s preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup have been marked by the inclusion of two players with limited prior experience within the Irish system,prompting both support and scrutiny from within the national setup. Head coach Scott Bemand has defended the selections, citing injury concerns and contractual timing as key factors in bringing former england international Ellena Perry and Exeter center Nancy McGillivray into the fold.
The decisions come as Ireland gears up for a crucial warm-up match against Canada this Saturday in Belfast, and with the final World Cup squad set to be announced on monday. Perry, who last represented England in 2020, qualifies for Ireland through an Irish grandparent and satisfies World Rugby’s stand down rules for switching nations. McGillivray, uncapped by England despite previous squad inclusions, became eligible after her contract with Exeter expired in June.
Bemand addressed concerns about potential disruption to team dynamics, acknowledging that introducing new players so close to the competition could be problematic “if done incorrectly.” Though, he emphasized the speci
sevens programs, the Celtic Challenge, and the Under-20s.
“If you look at the number of players now coming through… our depth is night and day to how it looked two years ago,” Bemand asserted. He cited players like Ivana Kiripati, Ailish Quinn, and Jemima Adams Verde, who have recently gained experience within the national setup, as evidence of a thriving pathway. He added, “Sophie’s [Barrett] nearly ready and if we had to call Sophie up, we’d be confident in what Sophie’s capabilities are.”
The team set to face Canada on Saturday features a blend of experienced players and newcomers. The starting XV includes Stacey Flood, Béibhinn Parsons, Aoife Dalton, Enya Breen, Anna McGann, Dannah O’Brien, Aoibheann Reilly, niamh O’Dowd, Neve Jones, Linda Djougang, Ruth Campbell, Fiona Tuite, Grace Moore, Ivana Kiripati, and Brittany Hogan.Replacements include Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Ellena Perry, Sadhbh McGrath, Eimear Corri Fallon, Sam Monaghan, Claire Boles, Emily Lane, and Eve Higgins.
The inclusion of perry and McGillivray represents a calculated risk as Ireland seeks to maximize its competitiveness on the world stage. While questions remain about the long-term implications for player development,Bemand appears confident that these additions will strengthen the squad’s chances of success.
IRELAND (v Canada, World cup-warm-up, Affidea Stadium, Belfast, Saturday, 12pm): Stacey Flood (Railway Union/Leinster); Béibhinn Parsons (Blackrock College/connacht), Aoife Dalton (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Enya Breen (Blackrock College/Munster), Anna McGann (Railway Union); Dannah O’Brien (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Aoibheann Reilly (Blackrock College/Connacht); Niamh O’dowd (Old Belvedere/leinster), Neve Jones (Gloucester Hartpury), Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere/Leinster); Ruth Campbell (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Fiona Tuite (Old Belvedere/ulster); Grace Moore (Trailfinders/IQ Rugby), Ivana Kiripati (Creggs/Connacht), Brittany Hogan (Old Belvedere/Ulster).
Replacements: Cliodhna moloney-macdonald (Exeter chiefs), Ellena Perry (Gloucester Hartpury/IQ Rugby)*, Sadhbh McGrath (Cooke/Ulster), Eimear Corri Fallon (Blackrock College/Leinster), Sam Monaghan (Gloucester Hartpury/IQ Rugby), Claire Boles (Railway Union/Ulster), Emily Lane (Blackrock College/Ulster), Eve Higgins (Railway Union/Leinster).
*Denotes uncapped player
