Ireland target continued momentum as seven uncapped players named in 36-player squad

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has included seven uncapped players in his 36-player WXV Global Series training squad.

Jemima Adams-Verling, Sophie Barrett, Beth Buttimer, Caitríona Finn, Kate Jordan, Lucia Linn and Alana McInerney are all yet to win their maiden Ireland caps, but have impressed in Celtic Challenge and Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship action.

The squad will assemble in Dublin as preparations for their WXV Global Series campaign gather pace. In September, Ireland will host home fixtures against the USA Women’s Eagles and Japan.

Bemand’s side will host Japan for a second Test outside of the WXV Global Series window, before traveling to South Africa in October to take on the Springbok Women in back-to-back fixtures.

Scott Bemand, Ireland Women head coach, said: “The WXV Global Series is a hugely exciting addition to the international calendar and creates meaningful, high-level competition for players and teams at a crucial point in the season.

“Coming on the back of a strong Vodafone Interprovincial Championship, this programme gives us the opportunity to bring together a talented group, continue to develop depth across the squad and provide players with important game-time opportunities in an international environment as we look to carry forward the positive momentum and progress made during the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see seven uncapped players included. The Interpros highlighted the quality of talent coming through the system, and this is an excellent chance for those players to challenge themselves, bring their own strengths to the group and help raise standards as they push for international honours.

“We’re looking forward to getting into camp and beginning preparations for what promises to be some brilliant home games in Dublin, Galway and Cork before we head to South Africa for a two Test tour.”

Ireland WXV Global Series training squad

Forwards
Jemima Adams-Verling*(Connacht/Clovers), Sophie Barrett* (Ulster/Wolfhounds), Beth Buttimer* (Munster/Clovers), Eilís Cahill (Munster/Clovers), Ruth Campbell (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Jane Clohessy (Munster/Clovers), Linda Djougang (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Brittany Hogan (Sale Sharks), Neve Jones (Gloucester Hartpury), Kate Jordan*(Leinster/Wolfhounds), Erin King (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Sadhbh McGrath (Ulster/Clovers), Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), Sam Monaghan (Gloucester Hartpury), Grace Moore (Munster), Niamh O’Dowd (Gloucester Hartpury), Fiona Tuite O’Sullivan (Ulster/Wolfhounds), Ailish Quinn (Connacht/Clovers), Aoife Wafer (Harlequins), Dorothy Wall (Exeter Chiefs)

Backs
Enya Breen (Munster/Clovers), Aoife Dalton (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Vicky Elmes Kinlan (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Caitríona Finn* (Munster/Clovers), Stacey Flood (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Niamh Gallagher (Trailfinders), Eve Higgins (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Emily Lane (Munster/Clovers), Lucia Linn*(Munster/Clovers), Anna McGann (Connacht/Clovers), Alana McInerney*(Munster/Clovers), Robyn O’Connor (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Dannah O’Brien (Leinster/Wolfhounds), Béibhinn Parsons (Connacht/Clovers), Aoibheann Reilly (Connacht/Clovers), Katie Whelan (Leinster/Clovers/Wolfhounds **)

*denotes uncapped
** Whelan played for both Wolfhounds & Clovers in the 2025/26 season