Ireland's Rugby World Cup Preparations Boosted by Key Player Returns

Ireland's Rugby World Cup preparations have received a significant boost with the return of key players Sam Monaghan and Beibhinn Parsons. The duo will feature in Ireland's warm-up match against Scotland in Cork on Saturday, 2 August.

Sam Monaghan's Comeback

Sam Monaghan, the Ireland captain, is set to make her return to international duty after a lengthy absence due to injury. The Gloucester-Hartpury lock has been out of action since June 2024 when she suffered a serious knee injury while representing her club. Subsequent calf and hamstring injuries delayed her comeback, but she will now start in the second row for Scott Bemand's side.

Beibhinn Parsons' Return

Beibhinn Parsons provides another boost for Ireland. The wing back missed the Six Nations due to a broken leg sustained in December but is now back in the squad. Her return adds depth and experience to the team's backline.

Additional Returns and New Faces

Eimear Corri-Fallon, who joins Monaghan in the second row, also returns after a 12-month absence. The squad includes three uncapped players: back row Ivana Kiripati and centre Nancy McGillivray, who are set to make their first starts, and Ailish Quinn, who could earn her first cap if called upon as a replacement.

Forward Experience

With a six-two split on the bench, there is plenty of forward experience around Quinn. Players like Neve Jones, Niamh O'Dowd, Linda Djougang, Fiona Tuite, and Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird are held in reserve, providing depth and versatility.

Absences and Future Fixtures

Ireland will, however, be without influential forwards Erin King and Dorothy Wall, who have both been ruled out of the World Cup. Star back row Aoife Wafer has not given up hope of being fit for the tournament. The game against Scotland is the first of Ireland's two warm-up fixtures before the World Cup. They will also face Canada in Belfast on 9 August.

World Cup Pool

At the tournament in England, held between 22 August and 27 September, Bemand's side are in a pool with Spain, Japan, and New Zealand.

Ireland Squad

Starting XV: Meabh Deely; Beibhinn Parsons, Nancy McGillivray, Eve Higgins, Amee-Leigh Costigan; Dannah O'Brien, Molly Scuffil-McCabe; Siobhan McCarthy, Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Sadhbh McGrath, Eimear Corri-Fallon, Sam Monaghan (captain), Grace Moore, Ivana Kiripati, Brittany Hogan.

Replacements: Neve Jones, Niamh O'Dowd, Linda Djougang, Fiona Tuite, Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird, Ailish Quinn, Emily Lane, Enya Breen.