Scott Bemand announces Ireland Women's 6N squad to play Scotland

Scott Bemand has announced his Ireland squad to take on Scotland in Belfast this Saturday in the final round of the Guinness Women's Six Nations. The girls in green may still be feeling a sting from their heavy loss to England last weekend but they'll have to dust themselves down and get back on the horse if they are to beat this tricky Scotland outfit at the Kingspan Stadium.

Bemand has made three changes to the starting XV. Co-captain Sam Monaghan returns to the second row, Enya Breen is named at centre, and Méabh Deely starts at fullback.

Uncapped back Katie Heffernan is among the replacements, looking to earn her first cap in a green jersey. An ever-present for the Ireland Women’s Sevens team in recent years, Heffernan could be a useful addition to the squad.

The starting front is unchanged with Linda Djougang, Neve Jones and Christy Haney retaining their positions. Dorothy Wall and Monaghan are lock partners once again, with Aoife Wafer at blindslide flanker, co-captain Edel McMahon at openside and Brittany Hogan at number eight.

Aoibheann Reilly and Dannah O’Brien once again make up the half-back pairing. Breen joins Eve Higgins in the Ireland midfield and Deely comes into the back three alongside wingers Béibhinn Parsons and Katie Corrigan.

Bemand seemed confident his team can bounce back after the 88-10 loss to England and emphasised the imprtance of bringing the best of themselves for the challenge ahead.

“Last week was tough but we’ve seen great bounce back in training.

“This weekend, the Six Nations reaches its climax and with some good performances, we’re in a position to compete for that World Cup qualification. 

“We’re excited to bring Scotland to Belfast and a quality Kingspan Stadium. It’ll be a large and