THERE are no fewer than 15 uncapped players in the Munster squad, as announced by head coach Matt Brown, for the upcoming Women’s Interprovincial Rugby Championship.
Among them are Shannon pair Aoife Grimes and Saoirse Crowe, along with Grainne Burke (UL Bohemian).
In addition, a welcome returnee to the 34-person panel is international Maeve Óg O’Leary.
O’Leary was unavailable due to a knee injury. Before her injury, she played a key part in the 2023 Interprovincial Championship before being selected to travel to Dubai to take part with Ireland in the inaugural WXV tournament.
O’Leary also got the chance to line out against the Barbarians in the historic double-header held at Thomond Park two years ago.
She returned to her club Blackrock College in the spring earning herself the starting flanker position for the remainder of the season.
Outside of newcomer Burke, UL Bohs are well represented through Aoibhe O’Flyn, Beth Buttimer, Brianna Heylmann, Chloe Pearse, Claire Bennett, Clodagh O’Halloran, Eilís Cahill, Abbie Salter-Townshend, Kate Flannery, Lucia Linn, Nicole Cronin, Stephanie Nunan, and Alana McInerney.
Speaking about the squad selection, Brown said: “I genuinely want to see how good this crop of younger girls can be. How well they can gel with the older girls and, you know, we have put a bit of emphasis on the older girls really having a role within the squad that actually brings these girls along.”
“You know the sky is the limit for them.”
Brown’s coaching ticket includes Niamh Briggs, Leah Lyons, Eddie Fraher, Ciarán Purcell, Amy O’Mahony, Kenneth Mills, and Pierce Ryan.
Carol O’Sullivan is team manager.
The captain for this year’s Interprovincial Championship will be announced shortly.
Munster are scheduled to meet Connacht (h), Leinster (a) and Ulster (a) in August, with the final listed for the final Saturday of the month.
