Greg McWilliams has named a 28-player Ireland squad for the upcoming two-test tour of Japan.
The group includes eight players who are uncapped at senior level for Ireland.
Clara Nielson and Jo Brown - both of whom have been capped by England - have been included. Along with fellow forward Taryn Schulzter, they impressed during a series of recent camps at the IRFU High Performance Centre. Backs Aoife Dalton, Dannah O’Brien, Emma Tilly, Kayla Waldron and Leah Tarpey also received their first call-ups.
Eight players - Alice O’Dowd, Aoibheann Reilly, Aoife Wafer, Eimear Considine, Ellen Murphy, Kathryn Dane, Nikki Caughey and Niamh Byrne - were unavailable for selection.
The squad is captain by second row Nichola Fryday.
"We’re excited to finalise the touring squad for Japan having trained together as an extended group of 50 players since May," said Ireland head coach McWilliams.
"There is a strong mix of youth and experience in the panel and this is a great opportunity for the uncapped and young players, some of whom have come up through the pathway and the National Talent Squad programme. That in itself is really positive to see these players develop through the system and now get their opportunity in the Senior Team as we build ahead of next season.
"This summer programme was designed to expose us to new environments and challenges and it has been brilliant to work with the group for an extended period leading up to our departure for Japan. We look forward to two tough test matches and the positive experience touring will bring for the players and staff."
24 April 2022; Ireland Head Coach Greg McWilliams before the TikTok Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium in Leicester, England. Photo by Darren Staples/Sportsfile
There has also been an addition to the Ireland backroom team with former Fiji coach John McKee joining.
Ireland play Japan at the Ecopa Stadium in Fukuroi on August 20th and at the Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo on August 27th.
Ireland Women’s Squad, Japan Tour:
Forwards:
Chloe Pearse (UL Bohemians RFC/Munster)
Christy Haney (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)
Clara Nielson* (Exeter Chiefs/IQ Rugby)
Dorothy Wall (Blackrock College RFC/Munster)
Edel McMahon (Wasps/IQ Rugby)
Emma Hooban (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)
Grace Moore (Saracens/IQ Rugby)
Hannah O’Connor (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)
Jo Brown* (Worcester/IQ Rugby)
Katie O’Dwyer (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)
Laura Feely (Blackrock College RFC/Connacht)
Linda Djougang (ASM Romagnat Rugby/Leinster)
Maeve Óg O’Leary (Blackrock College RFC/Munster)
Neve Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury/Ulster)
Nichola Fryday (Exeter Chiefs/Connacht)(Captain)
Sam Monaghan (TBC)
Taryn Schulzter* (Saracens/Ulster)
Backs:
Ailsa Hughes (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)
Aoife Dalton* (Tullamore/Leinster)
Dannah O’Brien* (Tullow RFC/Leinster)
Emma Tilly* (MU Barnhall RFC/Leinster)
Enya Breen (TBC/Munster)
Kayla Waldron* (Hamilton Hawks/IQ Rugby)
Lauren Delany (Sale Sharks RFC/IQ Rugby)
Leah Tarpey* (Tullamore RFC/Leinster)
Molly Scuffil-McCabe (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)
Natasja Behan (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)
Nicole Cronin (UL Bohemians RFC/Munster)
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