Preview: Dark clouds follow Ireland on Parma return

After two chastening defeats to start their TikTok Women's Six Nations, the week off between Rounds 2 and 3 was an opportunity for Ireland to press pause, and refresh both the body and minds ahead of a push towards salvaging their championship.

But rather than returning to action this week with confidence restored, Greg McWilliams' side take on Italy in Parma followed by a cloud of tension, with the head coach needing to deny there's a sexist culture in the IRFU.

Once again, this Irish team are having prepare for a game where the actual rugby is the secondary story of the week.

Just as it was in 2021 when Anthony Eddy's comments about Ireland's Rugby World Cup failure sparked outcry, much of the frustration this week has stemmed from the IRFU's response to a damning report in The Telegraph, rather than the content of the report itself.

After Thursday's team announcement, the Irish head coach spent close to 30 minutes fielding questions from the media about the allegations of sexism against the union, and the frustrations of those in the wider women's rugby community in Ireland.

His clumsy reference to being a father figure to the group did little to mop up the PR mess.

The sentiment of the reference was well-meaning, with McWilliams attempting to be protective of an inexperienced squad of players, who have had to learn harsh lessons on the job in what for several of them is a first Six Nations campaign.

Next week's arrival of England to Cork will only magnify the scrutiny on the wider Irish women's rugby programme, but for 80 minutes this afternoon, captain Nichola Fryday (below) and her team-mates will have to focus on the rugby.

A lot has changed in the women's game in Ireland since last year's 29-8 win against the Azzurre at