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Rugby

Molly Scuffil-McCabe set for Ireland debut against England

There's also a return for Sene Naoupu



Molly Scuffil-McCabe set for I...
Rugby

Molly Scuffil-McCabe set for Ireland debut against England

Molly Scuffil-McCabe will make her Ireland debut this Sunday. 

The 24-year-old, of Railway Union and Leinster, has been named to start at full-back for the game at Welford Road.

There's also a return for Sene Naoupu in the backline, as she partners Enya Breen in the centre. Naoupu was called into the squad earlier this week.

Eimear Considine returns to the side, wearing the number 11 jersey, while Aoife Doyle lines out on the other wing.

In the pack, Aoife McDermott comes in to start in place of the injured Sam Monaghan in the second row.

Niamh Byrne is poised to win her first cap from the bench.

Seven Irish players left the squad earlier this week to begin preparations for the World Sevens Series.

Ireland face a stiff task against an English side widely regarded as the best in the world.

They have already amassed a points differential of plus 179 having after wins over Scotland, Italy and Wales.

Ireland go into the game off the back of a 29-8 win over Italy in Cork a fortnight ago.

Head coach Greg McWilliams says they are viewing the trip across the Irish Sea as a key part of their development.

“This is an exciting opportunity for players who are desperate for the chance to showcase their talent on the biggest stage.

"As we embark on this journey as a group, we need to test the squad depth, build the playing pool and competition within the dressing room, and there is no greater challenge than facing this world-class England side in front of what will be a record crowd.

“A special mention to our two new caps who have earned their opportunity to pull on the green jersey.

"To Molly and Niamh, congratulations on your selection, enjoy every moment of the experience and be yourselves this weekend.

"A big challenge is ahead of us but we’ll learn a lot about ourselves and this week has been all about us and what we can bring to the occasion.

"We’re ready.”

Ireland team vs England (Sunday, KO 12PM)

*Denotes uncapped player

15. Molly Scuffil-McCabe (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)*
14. Aoife Doyle (Railway Union RFC/Munster)(8)
13. Sene Naoupu (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(46)
12. Enya Breen (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)(12)
11. Eimear Considine (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)(25)
10. Nicole Cronin (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)(19)
9. Kathryn Dane (Old Belvedere RFC/Ulster)(21)

1. Linda Djougang (ASM Romagnat Rugby/Leinster)(20)
2. Neve Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury/Ulster)(9)
3. Christy Haney (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)(2)
4. Nichola Fryday (Exeter Chiefs/Connacht)(25)(capt)
5. Aoife McDermott (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)(18)
6. Dorothy Wall (Blackrock College RFC/Munster)(13)
7. Edel McMahon (Wasps/IQ Rugby)(17)
8. Hannah O’Connor (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)(10)

Replacements:

16. Emma Hooban (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)(10)
17. Chloe Pearse (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster)(4)
18. Katie O’Dwyer (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)(8)
19. Grace Moore (Railway Union RFC/IQ Rugby)(1)
20. Maeve Óg O’Leary (Blackrock College RFC/Munster)(1)
21. Aoibheann Reilly (Blackrock College RFC/Connacht)(3)
22. Michelle Claffey (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)(12)
23. Niamh Byrne (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)*

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England Greg McWilliams Ireland Sene Naoupu Six Nations Women's Six Nations