McMahon starts as Bemand names Ireland side for Italy clash

Bemand has made three changes to the 15 that started the loss to France in the opening round.

Ireland's Edel McMahon and Amee-Leigh Costigan. Pic: Ben Brady/Inpho

Ireland captain Edel McMahon returns to the starting line-up for Sunday’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations clash against Italy in Parma as Scott Bemand’s side look to rebound from last Saturday’s opening-round home loss to France.

There are three changes to the team which started the 27-15 defeat in Belfast, with flanker McMahon and lock Fiona Tuite the new faces in the forward pack as Brittany Hogan and Dorothy Wall swaps places with bench roles at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.