Sophie Spence misses out as Tom Tierney brings in uncapped quintet

Ireland women’s coach Tom Tierney has named five uncapped players in his Six Nations squad but it is the absence of former World Player of the Year nominee Sophie Spence that stood out.

Spence has been a lynchpin of the Ireland pack in recent seasons but suffered a concussion late last year and missed out on the run of interpros as a result. That lack of game time has counted against her. For now.

The squad operates an open door policy and both Spence and scrum-half Larissa Muldoon, another notable absentee, will have ample opportunity to reestablish their credentials as the tournament potters on.