In stark contrast to Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland squad, all 27 members of Vera Pauw’s panel for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Finland have been fully vaccinated.
The senior men’s squad included at least nine unvaccinated players, including West Brom striker Callum Robinson, but none of their female counterparts felt the need for hesitancy, nor have they been influenced by the “conspiracy theories” and “virility” concerns Kenny has mentioned as an issue among male Irish players.
“There is one player, I won’t name her,” said Pauw. “She’s not in the squad, she’s on the injury list. She cannot have any vaccinations, not any others like yellow fever or whatever, because of her allergic reactions to that.
“It would not be a reason to leave her out. We will protect her in our bubble.”
Seven of Jim Crawford’s Ireland under-21 men’s squad potentially missed out on recent selection for being unvaccinated.
Republic of Ireland squad for World Cup qualifiers against Sweden (October 21st) and Finland (October 26th)
Goalkeepers: Grace Moloney (Reading), Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Eve Badana (DLR Waves), Amanda Budden (Shelbourne)
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Claire Walsh (Glasgow City), Diane Caldwell (North Carolina Courage), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Savannah McCarthy (Galway WFC), Éabha O'Mahony (Boston College), Áine O'Gorman (Peamount United)
Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Niamh Farrelly (Glasgow City), Ciara Grant (Shelbourne), Aoibheann Clancy (Wexford Youths), Jessica Ziu (Shelbourne), Katie McCabe (Arsenal)
Forwards: Amber Barrett (FC Koln), Rianna Jarrett (London City Lionesses), Heather Payne (Florida State University), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Kyra Carusa (HB Hoge), Saoirse Noonan (Shelbourne), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City)
