One change for Irish Women’s team as they plot revenge against England

Irish Women's head coach Tom Tierney has made a single change to the team that lost 10-5 to France a fortnight ago ahead of the visit of England to Ashbourne RFC on Friday night.

England are reigning world champions, having knocked Ireland out in the semi-final stage of that tournament last summer, so there'll be no shortage of motivation for this third round RBS Six Nations encounter.

Hannah Tyrrell, who missed out on the French game due to concussion, has completed the return-to-play protocols and will start on the right wing.

Tyrrell is joined by Alison Miller on the opposite wing with goal-kicking captain Niamh Briggs completing the back-three. Jenny Murphy and recent debutant Katie Fitzhenry make up the centre pairing, while Nora Stapleton and Larissa Muldoon continue together at half-back.

Up front, Ruth O'Reilly, Gillian Bourke and Ailis Egan form the front row with the Old Belvedere and Leinster duo Sophie Spence and Marie Louise Reilly again named in the second row. Back rowers Paula Fitzpatrick, Claire Molloy and Heather O'Brien complete the pack.

Speaking ahead of the mid-tournament encounter Tierney says England are a formidable opposition, but his team will relish playing in front of a home crowd.

“They are the world champions and we are under no illusions about the strength of this side. Training has gone well and we’re looking forward to playing again in front of a home crowd.”

Ireland beat England 25-0 in the same venue two years ago, en route to their first ever championship and Grand Slam triumph.

“It was a disappointing loss against France, but there were some positives to take out of it. We have dusted ourselves off and are ready for the next challenge.”

IRELAND: Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemians/Munster); Hannah Tyrrell (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Jenny Murphy (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Katie Fitzhenry (Blackrock/Leinster), Alison Miller (Portlaoise/Connacht); Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Larissa Muldoon (Skewen); Ruth O'Reilly (Galwegians/Connacht), Gillian Bourke (Olympico de Pozuelo), Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/Leinster); Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Marie Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere/Leinster); Paula Fitzpatrick (St. Mary's/Leinster), Claire Molloy (Bristol/Connacht), Heather O'Brien (Highfield/Munster).

Replacements: Sarah Mimnagh (Wasps/Exile), Fiona Hayes (UL Bohemians/Munster), Fiona O’Brien (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Orla Fitzsimons (St. Mary’s/Leinster), Katie Norris (Blackrock/Leinster), Tania Rosser (Blackrock/Leinster), Jackie Shiels (Richmond/Exile), Sene Naoupu (Galwegians/Connacht).