Published: April 12, 2023
Source: BBC Sport
Cliodhna Moloney Set for Ireland Rugby Union Comeback After Two-Year Absence
In a boost for the Ireland national rugby union team, experienced forward Cliodhna Moloney is poised to make her return to international duty this weekend. The Exeter Chiefs player has been named on the bench for Ireland’s crucial Women’s Six Nations clash with Wales on Saturday.
Moloney, who last featured for Ireland in 2021, replaces the injured Sarah Delaney in the matchday squad. Her inclusion comes as head coach Scott Bemand makes one change to the side that lost to Italy in their previous outing, with co-captain Edel McMahon returning to the starting lineup.
The Ireland team features a strong pack, with an unchanged front row of Linda Djougang, Christy Haney, and Neve Jones. Dorothy Wall and Sam Monaghan continue their partnership in the second row, while Aoife Wafer shifts to blindside flanker to accommodate McMahon’s return.
In the backline, Dannah O’Brien and Aoibheann Reilly form the half-back pairing, with Enya Breen and Eve Higgins in the centers. The back three of Beibhinn Parsons, Katie Corrigan, and Lauren Delany, who has recovered from injury, remains intact.
Uncapped forward Shannon Ikahihifo, who came through the IQ (Irish qualified) Rugby programme, has also been included in the replacements.
“Ireland will be looking to bounce back from their opening two defeats in the Women’s Six Nations when they host Wales at Virgin Media Park in Cork on Saturday.”
The match, which kicks off at 16:45 BST, will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.
With Moloney’s return and the team’s experienced lineup, Ireland will be aiming to secure a much-needed victory and keep their hopes alive in the rugby union tournament.
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