Quintet get chance to stake Olympic claims as Smyth in line for shock Ireland return

Ireland will start their Olympics campaign against South Africa.

Sean Dancer has given Emma Buckley, Ellen Curran, Hannah McLoughlin, Sarah Torrans and Emily Beatty an early chance to stake a claim for a place in the Irish women’s Olympic squad.

They have been named in a 20-player panel for a warm-weather tour to South Africa where they will meet the home country – who will be Ireland’s first opponent in Tokyo next July 25 – and Germany in test matches.