Uncapped Kinlan named in Ireland Sevens squad for return of World Series

Head coach Aiden McNulty has named a 13-player Ireland squad for the return of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Langford, Canada, this weekend.

The Ireland arrived landed on Sunday ahead of the fifth leg of this year's series, which takes place on Saturday, 30 April, and Sunday, 1 May.

McNulty has been able to retain consistency in selection from January's historic silver medal-winning performance in Seville, as the group bid to build further and finish the series with strong showings in Langford and next month in Toulouse.

Lucy Mulhall once again captains Ireland this weekend, with the likes of Stacey Flood, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Eve Higgins and Beibhinn Parsons all included.

There is one uncapped player in the squad as Vicky Elmes Kinlan is rewarded for her impressive performances during a recent training camp in France.

Langford marks the start of an important period for the Ireland squad, with the conclusion of the World Series followed by the start of the Rugby Europe Championship - the first staging post on the journey to Paris 2024 Olympic qualification - and a standalone World Cup Sevens qualifying tournament in July.

McNulty's side open their campaign against Japan on Saturday at the Starlight Stadium (6.36pm Irish time) before further Pool B clashes against Brazil (9.40pm Irish time) and France (1.05am Irish time).

Claire Boles (Railway Union RFC)

Megan Burns (Blackrock College RFC)

Vicky Elmes Kinlan (Wicklow RFC)

Kate Farrell McCabe (Suttonians RFC)

Stacey Flood (Railway Union RFC)

Katie Heffernan (Mullingar RFC/Railway Union RFC)

Eve Higgins (Railway Union RFC)

Brittany Hogan (Ballynahinch RFC/Old Belvedere RFC)

Erin King (Old Belvedere RFC)

Emily Lane (Blackrock College RFC)

Lucy Mulhall (Rathdrum RFC)(captain)

Amee-Leigh