Parsons back as Ireland make six changes for Italy

Beibhinn Parsons is back in the Ireland team as one of six changes for their TikTok Women's Six Nations clash against Italy on Sunday at Musgrave Park (5pm).

The winger was a used off the bench for the last two games but gets the nod ahead on the left flank with Lucy Mulhall switching to full-back and Eimear Considine dropping out of the match-day squad.

Kathryn Dane, Christy Haney and Hannah O’Connor are all promoted to starting positions, while 19-year-old back row Aoife Wafer is in line for her Ireland debut off the bench.

Having made her debut off the bench last week, USA-born Haney is rewarded for an impactful performance with a first start in the front row alongside Linda Djougang and Neve Jones.

Captain Nichola Fryday and Sam Monaghan continue their second row partnership, with O’Connor drafted in at number eight.

Dorothy Wall is named to start at blindside and Edel McMahon at openside.

Head coach Greg McWilliams said: "We have challenged the players to take their opportunities and we’re trying to increase competition across the board, which is a really healthy thing to have within your squad.

"The players coming into the team this week have worked hard and earned their chance, so we’re looking forward to seeing how they react and perform."

Wafer joins Emma Hooban, Chloe Pearse, Katie O’Dwyer and Brittany Hogan as the forward reinforcements for Sunday, with Aoibheann Reilly, Enya Breen and Aoife Doyle completing the 23.

Ireland: Lucy Mulhall; Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Eve Higgins, Stacey Flood, Beibhinn Parsons; Nicole Cronin, Kathryn Dane; Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, Christy Haney; Nichola Fryday (capt), Sam Monaghan; Dorothy Wall, Edel McMahon, Hannah O'Connor.

Replacements: Emma Hooban, Chloe Pearse, Katie O’Dwyer,