Women: Ireland team for Scotland.

Four Ulster players have been included in the squad for Ireland Women’s opening match in their defence of the Six Nations.

Amy Davies and Stacey-Lea Kennedy both start against Scotland at Ashbourne RFC on Friday night (KO 7:30pm) and they are joined by Larissa Muldoon and Grace Davitt who take their place on a strong looking bench.

Both Davies and Kennedy have worked hard on various aspects of their game and it’s a strong statement of intent by Ireland Women’s head coach Philip Doyle that their efforts have been recognised in what promises to be a busy and demanding year for Ireland’s elite women.

There are a few other changes to the squad that progressed serenely through last season’s tournament. There can be little doubt that the qualification for the World Rugby 7’s Series has taken it’s toll over the summer but the starting team only features one new cap, namely, Hannah Casey . . .