FOR the next three, and possibly four, weekends, Munster will be engaged in the Women’s Interprovincial Rugby Championship.
First up for Matt Brown’s side is a visit from Connacht to Virgin Media Park, Cork, on Saturday (4.15pm kick-off).
This tie will be quickly followed by trips to holders Leinster and Ulster, with then the possibility of an appearance in the finals at Dublin’s Energia Park on August 30.
Munster have appointed 25-year-old international Maeve Óg O’Leary as captain.
O’Leary’s joint vice-captains are Limerick pair Chloe Pearse and Stephanie Nunan, both of UL Bohemian.
Born and raised in Ballina (Tipperary), O’Leary commenced her career with Ballina Killaloe.
She quickly progressed to underage representative level with Munster, and made her senior debut with the province in 2021.
O’Leary was a key member of the Munster Interprovincial three-in-a-row winning teams of ‘21, ‘22 and ‘23.
The back row returns to action following an extended break due to knee injuries.
“It’s great to be back this season and an absolute privilege to be leading the girls alongside Chloe and Steph,” O’Leary said.
“We are all looking forward to the Interpros kicking off with plenty of opportunity in this year’s competition. We have been training hard these past number of weeks and have been growing and connecting as a team on and off the pitch.
“There are a number of new faces and great talent coming through in camp this season and I look forward to seeing our potential going forward as we continue to learn and grow.”
O’Leary is attached to Dublin’s Blackrock College, with whom she won an All-Ireland League title in ‘22.
Her connection with the club was through studies at DCU.
Among those pressing for a first senior provincial cap at the weekend will be Shannon duo Aoife Grimes and Saoirse Crowe.
