Monaghan ready for raucous Le Mans atmosphere

Communication will be key in what is expected to be a cauldron-like atmosphere in Le Mans.

AIR MILES: Lauren Delany, Edel McMahon and Sam Monaghan. Pic: Tom Maher, Inpho 

Despite their recent difficulties in this fixture, Sam Monaghan has insisted the Ireland women’s rugby team are fully embracing the challenge of facing France in a Six Nations Championship opener in Le Mans on Saturday.

Since getting the better of them in the third round of the 2017 Six Nations, Ireland have suffered six straight defeats at the hands of the French in the international arena - including a World Cup pool stage encounter at UCD later in the same year.