Contrasting fortunes for Ireland in qualifier draws
Graham Shaw’s women make a long trek to Kuala Lumpur in January but have been handed a favourable draw. World number 16 Ireland are the second-ranked side behind Italy with hosts Malaysia ranked 21st, but the remainder of the opponents — Kazahkstan, Thailand, Singapore and Fiji — are ranked well outside the top 30.
By contrast, the men will have home comforts in Ulster for their tournament in March but they will be the scalp for the other sides in a tough group.
