Ireland move the pieces around to plug Monaghan gap

Ireland must cope without co-captain Sam Monaghan when they open their Guinness Women’s Six Nations campaign against France in Le Mans tomorrow.

READY FOR CHALLENGE: Senior Coach John McKee with Defence Coach Declan Danaher and Head Coach Scott Bemand will plan without Sam Monaghan for the French clash. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Ireland are confident they have the experience and strength in depth to cope without co-captain Sam Monaghan when they open their Guinness Women’s Six Nations campaign against France in Le Mans tomorrow.

Last season’s wooden spoonists have restored a little feelgood factor following their success under new head coach Scott Bemand in the third-tier WXV3 series in Dubai last October yet Monaghan’s unavailability due to head-injury-related return to play protocols and the international rugby retirement of last season’s captain Nichola Fryday means a new-look second row of Dorothy Wall and Hannah O’Connor in a side to be led by co-captain Edel McMahon.