O'Sullivan names women's Six Nations squad

Ireland women’s coach John O’Sullivan has named his first Six Nations squad with 22 players announced for the opening clash against Wales.

The only new faces included are Blackrock back row Debbie Clarke and Ulster hooker Jess Limbert, who are in line for their first Irish caps.

In the back line there are no real surprises in the 10 players picked.

Tania Rosser and Louise Beamish are the two scrum halves in the squad while Sarahjane Belton looks certain to continue in the number-10 berth.

No real back-up out-half has been picked although Joanne O’Sullivan has played there at this level.

The Cobh-born head coach, who takes charge of his first ever Irish squad when his side face Wales, has named a strong pack with 12 players chosen who amass more than 170 caps among them.

A final training camp will take place next weekend before the starting line up is announced.

Ireland have not played a game since their final World Cup game against Australia last September.

Ireland squad to play Wales on February 3:

Backs:

Louise Beamish (UL Bohemian), Sarahjane Belton (UL Bohemian), Lynne Cantwell (Richmond), Grace Davitt (Blackrock), Jeanette Feighery (UL Bohemian), Amanda Greensmith (Shannon), Shannon Houston (Blackrock), Mairead Kelly (UL Bohemian) Joanne O’Sullivan (Richmond), Tania Rosser (Blackrock)

Forwards:

Marie Barrett (Highfield), Rachel Boyd (Cooke), Orla Brennan (Blackrock), Debbie Clarke (Blackrock), Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemian), Laura Guest (Clonakilty), Germaine Healy (Rathdrum), Jess Limbert (Cooke), Caroline Mahon (UL Bohemian), Yvonne Nolan (Blackrock), Eimear O’Sullivan (Clonakilty), Sinead Ryan (Navan).