Breen returns as Bemand names side for Italian Job 

KEY COG: Enya Breen during an Ireland Women's Rugby squad training session. Pic: Seb Daly, Sportsfile

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has made four changes to his side for Sunday's Women’s Six Nations clash against Italy at the RDS (Kick-off 3pm).

In the pack, Sam Monaghan returns to the second row and will captain the side while Grace Moore is named at blind side flanker, having come off the bench last week.

The front row remains unchanged with Linda Djougang and Christy Haney packing down either side of Neve Jones. 

Dorothy Wall partners Monaghan in the second row, with Aoife Wafer moving across the back row.

Moore comes into the side and Brittany Hogan again starts at No. 8.

Dannah O’Brien comes in at out-half this week and is partnered by Aoibheann Reilly.

Enya Breen makes her return to international action for the first time since picking up an injury in last year’s opening round of the Championship against Wales. 

The Skibbereen native partners Eve Higgins in the midfield.

The back three remains unchanged with Beibhinn Parsons, Katie Corrigan and Lauren Delany all set to start.

"We are incredibly excited to bring our game back to Irish shores.

"Last week we saw progression but know we’ve got to keep going after on-pitch performance. We have made some changes to the side from last week and this reflects the competition that is building in the squad," head coach Bemand said.

"We want Irish people to see how much it means and to want to be part of it. Momentum is building within the squad through training and I am confident that the players will give the fans something to get behind.

"We are expecting a tough challenge from an ambitious Italy team. It should make for a real occasion to showcase our game."

Ireland (v Italy): L Delany; K Corrigan, E Higgins, E Breen, B Parsons; D O’Brien, A Reilly; L Djougang, N Jones, C Haney; D Wall, S Monaghan; G Moore, A Wafer, B Hogan.

Replacements: S Delaney, N O’Dowd, S McGrath, F Tuite, E Corri, M Scuffil-McCabe, N Fowley, A Dalton.