Ireland Women’s Sevens squad continued their development programme in Hong Kong overnight finishing 8th in the twelve team Women’s Sevens competition.

The young team, featuring Ulster’s Nikki Caughey, finished second in their group, beating Singapore 31 – 0 but losing to Japan 12 -27.

Unfortunately the knock out stages didn’t go too well with Ireland losing to Kazahkstan 24 -14 leaving them to face their old foes Brazil who they have yet to beat this season. Brazil won the 7/8 play off 20 – 7 leaving Ireland with their 8th place finish.

The Squad, which features five players from the Talent ID programme, now travels to Guangzhou in China for the fourth round of the Women’s Sevens World Series (WSWS) where they are drawn in a tough group alongside Australia, England and Fiji.

The China leg of the WSWS takes place on the 5th and 6th of April.

IRELAND WOMEN’S SEVENS Squad: 

1. Shannon Houston (Blackrock/Leinster) (capt)
2. Martina McCathy (St. Mary’s/Talent ID Programme)
3. Niamh Ni Dhroma (Buccaneers/Connacht)
4. Aisling Naughton (Talent ID Programme)
5. Elaine Ryan (Talent ID Programme)
6. Megan Williams (Saracens/Exiles)
7. Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe (Clanwilliam/Munster/Talent ID Programme)
8. Katie Fitzhenry (Blackrock/Leinster)
9. Nikki Caughey (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
10. Siobhan Barrett (Tralee/Munster)
11. Laura Lee Walsh (Talent ID Programme)
12. Susan Vaughan (Railway Union/Leinster)