Ireland Gear Up for Scotland Warm-Up as Monaghan and Parsons Return
Captain Sam Monaghan and wing Beibhinn Parsons rejoin Ireland’s squad ahead of their World Cup warm-up against Scotland in Cork.
Match Preview
Ireland captain Sam Monaghan returns to the starting lineup for Saturday’s World Cup warm-up against Scotland at Musgrave Park, Cork. Kick-off is at 14:00 BST, with live coverage on ZAMONA iPlayer and online.
Key Returns and Debuts
Monaghan, Gloucester-Hartpury lock, has recovered from a serious knee injury sustained in June 2024 and will partner Eimear Corri-Fallon in the second row. On the wing, Beibhinn Parsons is back after breaking her leg in December, while back row Ivana Kiripati and centre Nancy McGillivray are set to win their first caps from the start. Ailish Quinn could also make her debut from the bench.
Squad News
Ireland’s bench features experienced forwards Neve Jones, Niamh O’Dowd, Linda Djougang, Fiona Tuite and Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird alongside Quinn, Emily Lane and Enya Breen. Erin King and Dorothy Wall remain sidelined for the World Cup, and Aoife Wafer is racing fitness to make the tournament squad.
The Scotland game is Ireland’s first of two warm-up fixtures; they face Canada in Belfast on 9 August. In the World Cup pool stage, Ireland will meet Spain, Japan and New Zealand.
Monaghan’s comeback and Parsons’ return add vital experience to Ireland’s pack ahead of the World Cup, balancing fresh talent with seasoned internationals.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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