McWilliams hoping newly qualified 'proven test internationals' can have major impact

In more good news for the squad, ex-Munster hooker Denis Fogarty is on board as scrum coach.

Fri, 12 Aug, 2022 - 07:38

Daire Walsh

When Ireland women’s rugby head coach Greg McWilliams unveiled his original squad for the forthcoming summer tour of Japan last month, two names in particular stuck out.

Despite having already been capped by England in full international tests, Clara Nielson and Jo Brown were named amongst a 28-strong selection for a two-test series against the East Asian nation on August 20 and 27. This is courtesy of World Rugby’s new eligibility rule - which came into effect at the beginning of 2022 - that allows players to switch allegiances to another country if they have stood down from international rugby for three years.