Injured Sam Monaghan misses out on place in extended Ireland squad

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has named eight uncapped players in a 40-woman squad for the upcoming Guinness Women's Six Nations campaign, but injury means Sam Monaghan does not figure in the extended panel.

Monaghan co-captained Bemand's team in last season's championship, but won't by among the preparation squad which will assemble at the IRFU High Performance Centre on Monday as focus shifts to the opening Six Nations fixture against France at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday, 22 March.

Béibhinn Parsons, who suffered the second of two leg breaks in 2024 in December, has been included and will get the chance to add to her 26 caps.

Forwards Alma Atagamen, Jane Neill, Beth Buttimer, Sophie Barrett and Jane Clohessy - daughter of former international Peter - have been called up for the first time after eye-catching performances in the Celtic Challenge, with uncapped backs Amy Larn, Katie Heffernan and Caitriona Finn also named in the squad.

Commenting on today's squad announcement, Bemand said: "We're delighted to select a really strong blend of 40 players to assemble and prepare for the start of the Guinness Women's Six Nations, while also building towards Rugby World Cup 2025.

"We'll come together in Dublin next Monday and reconnect as a group, laying the foundations for the opportunities ahead.

"Following on from successes during the WXV1 campaign in Vancouver, we have been impressed by the hard work and application of the players as they have returned to club action in recent months.

"The focus and determination of players as they've attacked Celtic Challenge training with the Clovers and Wolfhounds has been particularly pleasing, and a number of players have earned their opportunity in national camp off the back of those