Matchday squad for opening interpro encounter named by Connacht

Connacht women's head coach Emer O’Dowd has named her matchday 23 for tomorrow’s Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship opener against Leinster in Dublin (k.o. 4.45 p.m).

The side is co-captained by blindside flanker Shannon Touhey and Nicole Fowley, who starts at out-half.

The game is the first of two away ties, with the side making the trip to Ulster next weekend before the visit of Munster to Dexcom Stadium on Saturday, August 24. Tickets for that game are on sale at connachtrugby.ie.

Commenting ahead of the team announcement, Emer O’Dowd said: “There's a lot of nervous excitement coming into round one. We beat Leinster last season and there's no way they will want that to happen again.

“There are a lot of young players in this squad and they are excited about this challenge, and we are expecting a reaction from Leinster.

“Trying to pick a matchday squad is difficult for me as we're seeing this province grow with talent each year. The work being done at the clubs around the five counties needs to be mentioned. It is fantastic what they are doing and it comes down to great coaching and building a great environment for girls to shine.

“Training has been really good in the lead up (to the game). We have thrown a lot of detail at them, and everyone is bouncing and just raring to go.”

The starting team is as follows: Meabh Deely, Laoise McGonagle, Ava Ryder, Éabha Nic Dhonnacha, Clara Barrett, Nicole Fowley, Grainne Moran; Ella Burns, Lily Brady, Megan Collis, Orla Fenton, Rosie Searle, Beibhinn Gleeson, Lesley Ring, Shannon Touhey.

On the replacements' bench are: Stacy Hanley, Ellen Connolly, Roisín Maher, Faith Oviawe, Karly Tierney, May Goulding, Orla Dixon, Emily Foley.