Suzanne Fleming

The Ireland Womens side will travel to Edinburgh, to face Scotland in their first Six Nations game of the season. Despite having yet to win a game in the competition, Ireland’s much improved showing last year sees captain Suzanne Fleming confident that her team can overcome their deficiencies thus far and claim that first elusive win.

Fleming works for the Northern Ireland Fire Department and has captained the Irish national side for the past three seasons. She made her international debut in 1998, against England in Worcester, in an Irish side that included current squad members Fiona Steed and Anne-Marie McAllister.

“As a player and captain of the Ireland team this year I can honestly say I have never been more confident about an Irish team going out to play in a Six Nations Championship.” she said. “I am sure we will come away with at least one Six Nations win this season, indeed I am confident we can win three out of our five games, we certainly have the ability within the Squad.”

“We came very close last season to our first ever Six Nations win, especially against Wales. In addition our performances against Scotland and Spain were equally as competitive, and demonstrative of the growth of the Irish Women’s Rugby Squad.”

“I can remember several close matches in European Championships in the last few years where we have felt robbed of victory in many games. There have been so many times we have been knocking at the door of our Six Nations counterparts. But people don’t remember those matches when they think of Ireland, they only think of us as the reigning champions of the Wooden Spoon. Well we can change that this season.”

“Despite the added problems of travelling I believe we have the mental strength to win in Scotland. We know we have a hard job to do in Scotland, but we are well up to the challenge.”

“There have been some very positive developments in the sport this year. In addition to bigger squads at International training, we have also seen Women’s Development Officers appointed throughout the country, and Inter-provincial U19 teams emerging this season, which obviously will strengthen our International team in the new seasons ahead.”

The Irish squad will assemble in Belfast on Thursday evening (Feb 13th) and leave for Scotland the following day returning to Belfast on Saturday evening after the game.

Suzanne Fleming.
Position – Centre/Wing.
Club – Cooke WRFC, Belfast.
Province – Ulster.
Caps – 25.