Bemand names 10 uncapped players in first Ireland squad of 2026

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has kick-started his team’s preparations for 2026 with the announcement of a 37-player squad for a three-day training camp.

The camp, which will take place at the IRFU High Performance Centre, sees the senior Ireland women’s side assemble for the first time since their quarter-final exit at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

There are returns for forward duo Dorothy Wall (Exeter Chiefs) and Erin King (Wolfhounds), who were both forced out of the Women’s Rugby World Cup through injury.

In total there are 10 uncapped players named in Bemand’s squad; Beth Buttimer, Cara McLean, Jemima Adams Verling, India Daley, Rosie Searle, Sophie Barrett, Alana McInerney, Caitriona Finn, Niamh Gallagher and Robyn O’Connor.

The majority of those players have impressed in the Celtic Challenge competition since the 2025/26 season began in December.

England-based Premiership Women’s Rugby players Aoife Wafer, Brittany Hogan, Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, El Perry, Niamh O’Dowd, Grace Moore, Neve Jones, Sam Monaghan and Nancy McGillivray are all named.

It has also been confirmed that former Ulster Rugby lock Alan O’Connor has joined the coaching group as forwards coach. The 33-year-old retired from professional rugby in the summer having made over 200 appearances for the province.

He joins Bemand, defence coach James Scaysbrook, backs and kicking coach Gareth Steenson and scrum coach Denis Fogarty.

Ireland have their sights set on a positive 2026. A third-place finish at the last Guinness Women’s Six Nations preceded their last eight exit at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup as Bemand’s influence continued to grow over the Green Wave.

They will begin their 2026 Six Nations campaign with a clash against England at Allianz Stadium in London. They will then host Italy in Galway, travel to France and welcome Wales to Belfast.

In Round 5 Ireland will host Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in the first ever standalone women’s rugby international at the venue. Ticket sales have already surpassed the 12,000 mark.

Ireland Women’s Training Camp Squad

Forwards: Ailish Quinn, Aoife Wafer, Beth Buttimer*, Brittany Hogan, Cara McLean*, Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Dorothy Wall, Ellena Perry, Erin King, Fiona Tuite, Grace Moore, Jane Clohessy, Jemima Adams Verling*, India Daley*, Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Niamh O’Dowd, Rosie Searle*, Ruth Campbell, Sadhbh McGrath, Sam Monaghan, Sophie Barrett*.

Backs: Alana McInerney*, Anna McGann, Aoibheann Reilly, Aoife Dalton, Beibhinn Parsons, Caitriona Finn*, Dannah O’Brien, Emily Lane, Enya Breen, Eve Higgins, Nancy McGillivray, Niamh Gallagher*, Robyn O’Connor*, Vicky Elmes Kinlan.

*uncapped player