Daley 'Honoured' To Lead Ulster Women For Second Year

Ulster Women's captain India Daley
Ulster head coach Murray Houston has named a 34-strong squad for the 2026 Vodafone Women's Interprovincial Championship, with India Daley set to continue as captain.

Having led the side last season, Enniskillen's India Daley will once again captain Ulster, bringing her experience and leadership as the squad look to build momentum throughout the upcoming Championship.

Abby Moyles and Ireland dual international Claire Boles, who last played for the province in 2021, have been named as vice-captains.

Murray Houston has been able to call on a mix of experience and youth within his squad, alongside an additional 13 development players who will be involved to gain valuable experience across the training weeks and upcoming fixtures.

Ireland forwards Fiona Tuite and Sadhbh McGrath also bolster the groupp, with the influential pair last involved in the Interpros in 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Image
Ulster Women's head coach Murray Houston

Speaking about the squad announcement, Houston said: "We're really pleased with the balance we've achieved in this squad.

"There is a strong core of players who have experience at this level alongside a number of younger players who have earned their opportunity.

"The players are working incredibly hard throughout the summer, and we're excited to see them represent Ulster."

On retaining the captaincy, Daley commented: "It is a huge honour to captain Ulster again and something I'm incredibly proud of.

"Representing your province is always special, and to lead this group is a privilege. We've got a great mix of experienced players and younger talent coming through.

"Everyone is excited to get the campaign underway. We're working hard to prepare and we're looking forward to putting in performances that our supporters can be proud of."

Image
India Daley at the Interpros launch in Dublin

Eight members of the newly-announced Ulster squad were involved in the Wolfhounds' successful Celtic Challenge title defence this past season.

Their involvement at that level reflects the continued progression of players through the provincial pathway and into high-performance environments.

Among those recognised for their performances in 2025/26, winger Niamh Marley was chosen as the Ulster Women's Player of the Year following a standout campaign in provincial colours.

In addition, Houston's panel of players reflects the continued growth of the Women's game across Ulster, with Enniskillen, who have earned promotion to the Energia All-Ireland League for the first time, Queen's University, Cooke, Clogher Valley, Ballymena, Banbridge, and Virginia among the clubs represented.

Image
Niamh Marley in action for the Wolfhounds

Meanwhile, former Ulster back rower and Ireland Under-20 captain Reuben Crothers has joined the Ulster Women's coaching team as their lineout coach.

After returning to play for his boyhood club Ballynahinch in 2025, Crothers guided the Down High School girls team to the 2026 Danske Bank Ulster Girls Schools Cup final.

Also part of Houston's new-look coaching staff are 2013 Grand Slam winner Grace Davitt, who is coaching the backs, and Ulster and Ireland centre James Hume, who has come on board as a skills coach.

Former Ampthill and City of Armagh prop Griffin Phillipson has been appointed as scrum and defence coach. He brings previous coaching experience from Malone's Men's and Women's senior set-ups.

Image
Ulster prop and Ireland prospect Sophie Barrett

Ulster will be looking to make the most of home advantage with two of their Interprovincial matches at Affidea Stadium, including their August 8 opener against Connacht (kick-off 4.15pm).

Following a trip to Cork to face Munster, Houston's charges will then host Leinster in Belfast in the final round on Saturday, August 22 (kick-off 2.30pm).

Tickets for Ulster's two home games at Affidea Stadium are on sale now. The province's 2026/27 Season Ticket Holders can claim their free tickets through Account Manager.

Every Interprovincial fixture, including the August 29 finals days at Dexcom Stadium, will once again be broadcast live on the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel, ensuring fans can follow all the action throughout the competition.

ULSTER WOMEN'S SQUAD - 2026 VODAFONE WOMEN'S INTERPROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP:

Backs (13): Abby Moyles, Caitlin Crowe, Ciara Fitzsimons, Ella Durkan, Georgia Boyce, Katie Gilmour, Leah Irwin, Lucy Thompson, Niamh Marley, Rachael McIlroy, Rebecca Mann, Síobhán Sheerin, Sophie Meeke.

Forwards (21): Ava Fannin, Bronach Cassidy, Cara McLean, Christy Hill, Claire Boles, Ellen Patterson, Emily Whittle, Fiona Tuite, Grace Simati, India Daley (capt), Jemima Johnson, Katie Hetherington, Maebh Clenaghan, Moya Hill, Olivia McKinley, Rebecca Beacom, Ruby Starrett, Sadhbh McGrath, Sarah Roberts, Sophie Barrett, Stacey Sloan.