Ireland Women's Team has spent the last 10 days in South Africa in preparation for RWC Sevens, as Aiden McNulty‘s side bid to continue their strong form having secured two podium finishes on the World Series in 2022, a memorable silver in Seville and bronze in Langford.
McNulty has been able to retain consistency in selection but the Ireland Head Coach has had to make a number of tough selection calls, with every player in the wider squad pushing each other during pre-season since the team’s qualification for Cape Town back in July.
Stacey Flood is one of five players in the Ireland Women's Sevens squad preparing for their second #RWC7s in green at Cape Town Stadium this weekend ⬇️#Ireland7s | @TritonLake
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) September 7, 2022
The influential Lucy Mulhall will lead Ireland at a World Cup for the second time, having captained the side in San Fran four years ago. Stacey Flood, Kathy Baker, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, the World Series top try-scorer, and Eve Higgins are all also set for their second RWC Sevens appearances in green.
Young stars Erin King, Beibhinn Parsons and Kate Farrell McCabe have been outstanding under McNulty on the Series over the last 12 months and will play big roles this weekend, as Ireland Women open their campaign against Brazil in the Round of 16 on Friday afternoon (1.54pm local time/12.54pm Irish time).
Ahead of the tournament, McNulty said: “Our training camp in Stellenbosch was an excellent opportunity to put ourselves under pressure and prepare for the World Cup. Our precision and ability to bring a level of physical intensity has been excellent all week so we hope to transfer that this weekend. Selection as always has been tough, however, I believe these are the 12 players who will deliver a world-class performance.”
All of Ireland’s matches are live on the RTÉ Player in the Republic of Ireland.
Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
