Sevens involvement unclear for Ireland's latest 'fresh start'

All going well Maeve Óg O'Leary will earn her fifth Ireland cap in October’s WXV3 series in Dubai and she’ll win it under a third head coach in a two-year spell.

A replacement for Ciara Griffin in the former captain’s second last game, against USA in 2021, O’Leary’s debut was overseen by Adam Griggs.

The Tipperary back row’s next three caps were picked up under Greg McWilliams, who departed following their Six Nations wooden spoon last May.

Scott Bemand is the new man is charge and O’Leary, on a full-time contract with the IRFU, met the former England coach this week as he started in the High Performance Centre in Blanchardstown, Dublin. First impressions are positive.

"Scott started this week in the HPC, which is great and he’s just doing his job," said the 23-year-old Munster flanker.

"He is, of course, watching the [interpro] games and there’ll be selection for the WXV in October but just had general conversations, general chit-chat.

"He’ll be working behind the scenes, he’s really experienced and has all that knowledge under his belt.

"I’m sure he knows what he’s looking for but as players our focus is predominantly on the provinces now.

"It’s nice to have it like that and he can set up his own thing in the background. It will be great to get it running and kick off and get selected as well.

"He’s been introduced, every single squad member has met him, on a [virtual] call or in person. We’ve all met him.

"I know some others met him previously but I met him myself this week, in person."

Ireland face Kazakhstan, Colombia and Spain in the WXV3 in October as they look to put a traumatic Six Nations campaign behind them.

In addition, a second captain, Nichola Fryday, Ireland's stand-out player from the five losses, stepped away from