Ireland trio start for Combined Provinces XV against Thistles

Ireland internationals Leah Tarpey, Molly Scuffil-McCabe and Linda Djougang will start for the Combined Provinces XV against Scotland's Thistles at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 4.30pm).

Head coach Greg McWilliams has rotated his squad for their second game of the Celtic Challenge, which began with a 27-26 win over a WRU Development XV in Cardiff last weekend.

Hannah O'Connor once again captains the side, with Dannah O'Brien named co-captain as preparations continue for Ireland's TikTok Women’s Six Nations campaign, which begins against Wales on 25 March.

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O'Brien, who retains her place at out-half, said: "It was brilliant to kickstart the campaign with a win last weekend but we were straight back to work at the IRFU High Performance Centre this week knowing we have to improve across a number of areas.

"There was plenty of good work done in Cardiff but as we spend more time together as a squad and work on our learnings, we will continue to grow and that will help improve our performances as we progress through the tournament."

"We're excited to play our first home match in Belfast this weekend and for supporters unable to attend, it's great to have the match live streamed on the Irish Rugby YouTube channel."

Combined Provinces XV: Ella Durkan; Clara Barrett, Leah Tarpey, Aoife Dalton, Ella Roberts; Dannah O’Brien, Molly Scuffil-McCabe; Niamh O’Dowd, Emma Hooban, Linda Djougang; Claire Bennett, Fiona Tuite; Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird, Maeve Óg O’Leary, Hannah O’Connor.

Replacements: Je