World Cup countdown begins for Ireland

With the Women’s World Cup now just ten months away Ireland tomorrow commence what coach Tom Tierney calls “a critical period” in their preparations with a tough assignment against England at the UCD Bowl.

The new November series, which will see Canada and top-ranked New Zealand visit Dublin in the next two weeks, is seen as a key element in providing a large squad with a full playing itinerary through to next August.

“It’s important that, as well as the Six Nations in the New Year, we have games against the best teams in the world, to prepare ourselves as best we possibly can, and give as many people as possible the experience of Test rugby,” said Tierney.