Women’s Six Nations Squad Announced

…Rosie Foley, sister of Munster and Ireland number 8 Anthony, is pictured in action for the Ireland Women’s team against England in March 2004…

Ireland’s Women’s team coach Philip Doyle has named a 26-player squad for the upcoming Women’s Six Nations Championship.

Included for the first time are Jeannette Feighery, Caroline Mahon, Yvonne Nolan, Kate O’Loughlin and Sinead Ryan. Veteran Shannon second row Rosie Foley returns to the squad after having her first baby last summer, and despite not being involved in any club or provincial action since.

Munster fly-half Sarah Jane Belton will once again captain the squad. Doyle’s charges will warm up for the competition with a game against the USA on January 25 at Thomond Park. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.

IRELAND WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS SQUAD:

Marie Barrett (Highfield), Louise Beamish (UL Bohemians), Sarah Jane Belton (UL Bohemians) (capt), Rachel Boyd (Cooke), Orla Brennan (Blackrock), Lynne Cantwell (Trojans), Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemian), Grace Davitt (Blackrock), Jeannette Feighery (UL Bohemians), Suzanne Fleming (Cooke), Rosie Foley (Shannon), Amanda Greensmith (Shannon), Laura Guest (Clonakilty), Germaine Healy (Blackrock), Patrique Kelly (UL Bohemians), Jean Lonergan (Shannon), Caroline Mahon (UL Bohemians), Gillian McAllister (Cooke), Joy Neville (Shannon), Nuala Ni Chadhain (Galwegians), Yvonne Nolan (Blackrock), Kate O’Loughlin (Clonmel), Joanne O’Sullivan (Lichfield), Christine Robb (Armagh), Tania Rosser (Blackrock), Sinead Ryan (Navan).

2006 WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS FIXTURES:

FEBRUARY 4: IRELAND WOMEN v Spain Women, Donnybrook (kick-off 5.00pm)

FEBRUARY 11: France Women v IRELAND WOMEN, Montauban, Toulouse (kick-off 7.30pm)

FEBRUARY 25: IRELAND WOMEN v Wales Women, Donnybrook (kick-off 3.00pm)

MARCH 10: IRELAND WOMEN v Scotland Women, Navan RFC (kick-off 7.00pm)

MARCH 18: England Women v IRELAND WOMEN, Old Albanians RFC, St Albans (kick-off 3.00pm)