Béibhinn Parsons, Eve Higgins and Aoibheann Reilly named in Ireland squad for Women's Six Nations

Béibhinn Parsons, Eve Higgins and Aoibheann Reilly have all been included in the Ireland squad for the Guinness Women's Six Nations.

The trio were part of the Ireland Sevens team that won gold at the HSBC SVNS in Perth last month.

Scott Bemand’s squad begin their campaign away to France on 23 March in Le Mans.

Also included are Sevens squad members Natasja Behan and Katie Heffernan.

Bemand, who took over following Ireland’s wooden spoon finish in last year’s Six Nations and led the team to WXV3 success in October, has named eight uncapped players in his 35-woman squad.

Ruth Campbell and Katie Whelan, who were part of the WXV3 squad, as well as Chisom Ugwuere, Katie Corrigan, Heffernan and Clare Gorman have all impressed in this year’s Celtic Challenge campaign and earn a first Ireland call-up

Ireland-qualified duo Andrea Stock, who previously played with Munster, and Shannon Ikahihifo, originally from New Zealand, are also included.

Forwards Sam Monaghan and Edel McMahon continue as co-captains.

An additional seven players – India Daley, Kate Flannery, Hannah O’Connor, Maeve Óg O’Leary, Ivanna Kiripati, Leah Tarpey and Kayla Waldron – are included in the wider training panel.

Bemand said: "We are excited for this group of players who will represent Ireland in the upcoming Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

"The WXV3 and the Celtic Challenge preparation has been vital for our development and expanding our player pool.

"On the back of the success of the Women’s Sevens side, we are chasing potential through this group of players and we are all looking to perform in a high-quality competition."

The coaching team for the championship has also been confirmed with Declan Danaher (defence coach) joining Denis Fogarty (scrum coach), Larissa