Ireland’s Women’s Rugby Squad Gears Up for 2026 Six Nations
Scott Bemand has announced a 36-player Ireland squad for the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, marking a significant moment for Irish rugby. The head coach, recently securing a contract extension through the 2029 World Cup, has named a team with both familiar faces and emerging talent.
Key Absences and Returning Players
The squad faces some challenges with key players unavailable for the upcoming tournament. Amee-Leigh Costigan will not participate due to pregnancy, as she is expecting twins. Edel McMahon is also sidelined with a knee injury. However, there’s positive news with the return of several players.
Aoife Wafer, who faced injury setbacks in 2025, has regained form with Harlequins and earns a spot in the squad. Captain Erin King also makes a welcome return to international action after being sidelined by injury during the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Squad Breakdown: Forwards and Backs
The squad features a strong contingent of forwards, including Jemima Adams Verling, Sophie Barrett, and Ruth Campbell. The backline boasts experienced players like Beibhinn Parsons and Stacey Flood, alongside rising stars.
Forwards
- Jemima Adams Verling (Galwegians/Connacht)
- Sophie Barrett (Enniskillen/Cooke/Ulster)
- Beth Buttimer (UL Bohemian/Munster)
- Eilis Cahill (UL Bohemian/Munster)
- Ruth Campbell (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
- Jane Clohessy (UL Bohemian/Munster)
- Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
- Brittany Hogan (Sale Sharks/Ulster)
- Neve Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury)
- Erin King (Old Belvedere/Leinster, captain)
- Aoibheann McGrath (Ballincollig/Munster)
- Sadhbh McGrath (Cooke/Ulster)
- Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs)
- Sam Monaghan (Gloucester-Hartpury)
- Grace Moore (Trailfinders Women)
- Niamh O’Dowd (Gloucester-Hartpury/Leinster)
- Ellena Perry (Gloucester-Hartpury)
- Ailish Quinn (Galwegians/Connacht)
- Fiona Tuite (Old Belvedere/Ulster)
- Aoife Wafer (Harlequins/Leinster)
- Dorothy Wall (Exeter Chiefs/Munster)
Backs
- Alana McInerney (UL Bohemian/Munster)
- Anna McGann (Railway Union/Connacht)
- Aoibheann Reilly (Blackrock College/Connacht)
- Aoife Dalton (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
- Beibhinn Parsons (Blackrock College/Connacht)
- Caitriona Finn (UL Bohemian/Munster)
- Dannah O’Brien (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)
- Emily Lane (Blackrock College/Munster)
- Enya Breen (Blackrock College/Munster)
- Eve Higgins (Railway Union/Leinster)
- Nancy McGillivray (Exeter Chiefs)
- Niamh Gallagher (Trailfinders Women)
- Robyn O’Connor (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
- Stacey Flood (Railway Union/Leinster)
- Vicky Elmes Kinlan (Wicklow/Leinster)
Looking Ahead: Championship Kick-Off
Ireland will begin their Six Nations campaign on Saturday, April 11, against defending champions England at Twickenham. Bemand emphasized the team’s preparation, stating, “We had a positive three-day camp in January to lay the foundations for what’s ahead and the group – both players and staff – are excited to approach back together now to narrow the focus on the challenges ahead.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does the Women’s Six Nations start for Ireland?
A: Ireland’s first match is on Saturday, April 11, against England.
Q: Who is the captain of the Ireland Women’s team?
A: Erin King will captain the side.
Q: Has Scott Bemand signed a new contract?
A: Yes, Scott Bemand has signed a contract extension to remain as Ireland Head Coach until the 2029 World Cup.
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