Ireland hopeful that Monaghan fit to face Italy after missing out against France due to concussion

Ireland are hopeful that Sam Monaghan will be fit for next weekend's Guinness Women’s Six Nations match against Italy after missing out against France on Saturday due to concussion.

Monaghan, co-captain of Scott Bemand’s side, last played for Gloucester-Hartpury in the Premiership on 20 January when she was player of the match in their win over Saracens.

She was replaced late on in that game in a tactical substitution.

Earlier, Ireland named their side to take on Les Bleues in Le Mans and said Monaghan was "continuing her return-to-play protocols".

Senior coach John McKee told RTÉ Sport: "Yes, she had some weeks out with a HIA [head injury assessment] issue.

"She’s here with the group in a leadership role. We expect her to be fully fit for the second round.

"She’s had an injury at Gloucester-Hartpury in the Premiership so she’s already been on a return-to-play [protocol] when she’s been with us through the camps.

"We were hoping that she would make it for this week but she’s just not quite there.

"At a push we probably could have got her on the park but in the bigger picture, give her the extra week."

While the 30-year-old Meath woman misses out, there’s a recall for Hannah O’Connor, who missed out on selection for the WXV last October.

The Blackrock College player was not included in the official squad named last month by Bemand.

However, she was named as a "training panellist" and has worked her way into the team and starts in the second row at the Stade Marie-Marvingt.

"Hannah’s been a very strong player for us over a number of campaigns, missed out on the WXV group when we were looking to bring some younger players on," said the Australian.

"She played strongly in the Celtic Challenge and showed strong leadership around that