Sevens defections leave McWilliams and Ireland facing a daunting task

Ireland women’s head coach Greg McWilliams admitted losing a plethora of his squad to the Sevens code has proven challenging as his charges look to take on world number one England in the Six Nations at Welford Road this Sunday (kick-off 12pm).

Due to the impending return of the World Sevens Series in Langford, Canada at the end of this month, McWilliams will be without five of his back line from their 29-8 victory against Italy at Musgrave Park last Sunday week for the closing two rounds of the championship.

Lucy Mulhall, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Eve Higgins, Stacey Flood and Beibhinn Parsons have switched back to the Sevens programme for the time being, while forward pair Brittany Hogan and Anna McGann – who have also featured in this year’s Six Nations – will do likewise.

Injuries sustained by Sam Monaghan and Aoife Wafer further weakens McWilliams’ hand, albeit the experienced Sene Naoupu does head up a cohort of seven players who have been called into the squad in advance of their duel with the Red Roses this weekend.

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“It has been really challenging. It has made me think about things differently. You have to challenge yourself and I’ve got a staff who challenge me, to try and make sure that we’ve got the best plan and the best road forward for the group,” McWilliams said.

“I know the players are disappointed as well that they can’t be playing against England, but they also understand the bigger picture. There’s a pretty big tournament in Europe to try and gain entry to the Sevens Rugby World Cup later on this year.

Great opportunity

“It’s one of those things, you do wake up after the Italy game and the realisation does kick in that you are going to be missing these players. At the same time, I have faith in the people that we have. It’s a great opportunity for them. They’re excited and I’m excited, so it’s just business as usual.”

While having to alter his squad to such an enormous extent for Sunday’s game is a far from ideal scenario, Ireland would be rank outsiders for this contest regardless of what side they were able to field.

The 31 tries and 189 points that Simon Middleton’s England have accumulated in their three games to date provides a clear indication of how daunting a task Ireland will face in Leicester this weekend.

“I think the key thing is, this is just another good learning for us. There is a big plan, I’m an ambitious coach. I wouldn’t be doing this job if I didn’t believe in the IRFU and the players. I totally believe in our player pool. This is going to be one of those days where we’re going to learn a huge amount about ourselves.

“If we’re competitive and we can put it up to England that will be fantastic, but they are the best team in the world by far. I think they are certainly 15 or 20 points ahead of France at the moment, maybe more from what I’ve seen,” McWilliams added.