Sam Monaghan out of Ireland team to face England in Six Nations
Ireland's Sam Monaghan is tackled by Wales' Abbie Fleming during the Women's Six Nations match in Cork last week. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Sam Monaghan has not been included in the Ireland team for Saturday’s Women’s Six Nations game against England at Twickenham, which is a huge loss to the Irish squad.
The co-captain missed the opening game against France last month due to a concussion she suffered in January but the lock returned for round 2 against Italy and played a huge role in the win over Wales last weekend. Hannah O’Connor, who started at lock against France in round one, comes into the second row to partner Dorothy Wall.
The absence of Monaghan is one of two changes to the team that started the 36-5 victory over Wales. Aoife Dalton is back in the team and will partner Eve Higgins in the centre with Enya Breen dropping to the bench.
Dalton started the opening game in Le Mans and produced an impressive defensive performance as well as scoring a try. She was replaced in the starting team by Breen for the games against Italy and Wales.
With the versatile Breen on the bench, it means Nicole Fowley drops out of the 23 with Meabh Deely promoted to the bench.
Cliodhna Moloney also keeps her place on the bench after making her first appearance for Ireland since 2021 last weekend. Prop Linda Djougnang has recovered from an arm injury that forced her off in the second half at Musgrave Park.
“We get another chance to perform as a group, in a great stadium with a big crowd. We are building some momentum in training and games. This is the kind of test we want, against the best out there. We want these occasions to be the norm and our players are excited by the opportunity in front of them,” head coach Scott Bemand said.
“Judging by training intent and competition for selection, the players are ready. Hopefully we’ll see a wave of green around the stadium that will continue to get behind our group, each and every opportunity they have.”
Ireland team (v England): L Delany; K Corrigan, E Higgins, A Dalton, B Parsons; D O’Brien, A Reilly; L Djougang, N Jones, C Haney; D Wall, H O’Connor; A Wafer, E McMahon (capt), B Hogan. Reps: C Moloney, N O’Dowd, S McGrath, F Tuite, S Ikahihifo, M Scuffil-McCabe, E Breen, M Deely.
