Seven uncapped players named in Ireland training squad for WXV series

Ireland face USA and Japan in the series

Munster's Alana McInerney is among the uncapped players named in the Ireland training squad ahead of the WXV Global Series. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Seven uncapped players have been named in a 36-strong Ireland training squad ahead of the WXV Global Series. 

Ireland play USA at Tallaght Stadium on September 20 and then Japan at Dexcom Stadium in Galway on September 27. They play Japan in a second game, which is not part of the WXV series, at Virgin Media Park in Cork on October 3. Later in the month, they travel to South Africa for a two-test tour. 

Jemima Adams Verling, Sophie Barrett, Beth Buttimer, Caitríona Finn, Kate Jordan, Lucia Linn and Alana McInerney are the uncapped players included. Players have been rewarded for their performances in the interprovincial series.

"The WXV Global Series is a hugely exciting addition to the international calendar and creates meaningful, high-level competition for players and teams at a crucial point in the season," said Ireland head coach Scott Bemand.

"Coming on the back of a strong Interprovincial Championship, this programme gives us the opportunity to bring together a talented group, continue to develop depth across the squad and provide players with important game-time opportunities in an international environment as we look to carry forward the positive momentum and progress made during the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

"It's particularly pleasing to see seven uncapped players included. The Interpros highlighted the quality of talent coming through the system, and this is an excellent chance for those players to challenge themselves, bring their own strengths to the group and help raise standards as they push for international honours.

"We're looking forward to getting into camp and beginning preparations for what promises to be some brilliant home games in Dublin, Galway and Cork before we head to South Africa for a two-test tour.”

Forwards:

Jemima Adams Verling (Connacht/Clovers), Sophie Barrett  (Ulster/Wolfhounds), Beth Buttimer (Munster/Clovers), Eilís Cahill (Munster/Clovers), Ruth Campbell (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Jane Clohessy (Munster/Clovers), Linda Djougang (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Brittany Hogan (Sale Sharks), Neve Jones (Gloucester Hartpury), Kate Jordan (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Erin King (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Sadhbh McGrath (Ulster/Clovers), Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Sam Monaghan (Gloucester Hartpury), Grace Moore (Munster), Niamh O'Dowd (Gloucester Hartpury), Fiona Tuite O'Sullivan (Ulster/Wolfhounds), Ailish Quinn (Connacht/Clovers), Aoife Wafer (Harlequins), Dorothy Wall (Exeter Chiefs) 

Backs:

Enya Breen (Munster/Clovers), Aoife Dalton (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Vicky Elmes Kinlan (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Caitríona Finn (Munster/Clovers), Stacey Flood (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Niamh Gallagher (Trailfinders), Eve Higgins (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Emily Lane (Munster/Clovers), Lucia Linn(Munster/Clovers), Anna McGann (Connacht/Clovers), Alana McInerney (Munster/Clovers), Robyn O'Connor (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Dannah O'Brien (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Béibhinn Parsons (Connacht/Clovers), Aoibheann Reilly (Connacht/Clovers), Katie Whelan (Leinster/Clovers/Wolfhounds).