Ryan named in women’s team to play France

IRELAND have made one change to the side beaten by Wales for the Women’s Six Nations second-round tie against France at St Mary’s RFC on Saturday (2.30pm).

Navan flanker, Sinead Ryan, is named in the starting line-up with Rachel Boyd among the replacements.

The visitors will be odds-on favourites following their 37-17 win over Italy last weekend.

Meanwhile, England’s home of rugby — Twickenham — will have three women officials on the hallowed turf for the first time during the women’s Six Nations clash between England and Italy on Saturday.

New Zealander, Nicky Inwood, will become the first-ever women’s referee to both take charge at Twickenham and appear in a women’s Six Nations match.

England’s Clare Daniels and Debbie Innes will be touch judges.

IRB referee manager, Paddy O’Brian, said: “Nicky’s appointment is another example of how important and seriously the IRB and women’s rugby are taking women’s refereeing and ensuring that female match officials keep up with the standard of the playing of the game.

IRELAND: S Belton (Bohs), J Feighery (Bohs), L Cantwell (Richmond), S Houston (Blackrock), G Davitt (Blackrock), J O’Sullivan (Richmond), T Rosser (Blackrock), F Coghlan (Bohs), J Limbert (Cooke), M Barrett (Highfield), C Mahon (Bohs), G Healy (Rathdrum), E O’Sullivan (Clonakilty), S Ryan (Navan), O Brennan (Blackrock).

Replacements: Y Nolan (Blackrock), L Guest (Clonakilty), D Clarke (Blackrock), R Boyd (Cooke), L Beamish (Bohs), M Kelly (Bohs), A Greensmith (Shannon).