Alex Codling switches focus from Munster to Ireland for Women's Six Nations

Ireland defence coach Hugh Hogan said the expectation for his side this weekend in their opening game of the Six Nations is that "we’ll challenge France".

FULLY FOCUSED: Alex Codling was seconded to Munster following the departure of Andi Kyriacou but he is now concentrating on his role with the Irish women's team. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Munster’s interim forwards coach Alex Codling will play a key role in prepping the Ireland women’s team for their Six Nations opener against a physically imposing French team in Belfast this Saturday.

The experienced Codling, who joined the women’s staff as a full-time IRFU employee last year, was supplemented onto the Munster staff on a temporary basis when Andi Kyriacou followed Graham Rowntree out the door last October.