Four Clare women in Irish rugby squad

Eimear Considine, Alana McInerney, Maeve Óg O’Leary and Edel McMahon have all been called up to the Irish rugby squad for tests against the USA and Japan, writes Ivan Smyth.

McInerney and O’Leary have received their first call ups after both impressed when helping Munster become Interprovincial champions earlier this year.

Ennis RFC’s McInerney made her debut in the second round of the Interprovincials when she lined out for Munster in a 31-7 win against Connacht while she also started in their win against Leinster which sealed the title.

Alana’s twin brother Mark is aiming to help Éire Óg claim the Jack Daly Cup in their eagerly anticipated final with Kilmurry/Ibrickane.

Ballina RFC’s O’Leary has also earned her first call up after impressing in the Interprovincial series. She made her debut against Ulster in August and started all three games for her province as her rich vein of form has been rewarded with a call up to Adam Griggs’ side.

Considine and McMahon were part of the Irish squad that fell short in their attempts to reach the World Cup after a bitterly disappointing 20-18 defeat to Scotland.

Head coach Adam Griggs has included six uncapped players in his panel, rewarding a number of young players who have performed impressively for their provinces during the recent Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship and in the opening weeks of the Energia Women’s All-Ireland League season.

Ireland face the USA on Friday, November 12 (kick-off 7.15pm), and Japan on Saturday, November 20 (kick-off 3pm).

The Friday night clash with the US Eagles – set to be the first Women’s international played at the RDS – will be live on the RTÉ Player, while the visit of Japan to Dublin will be broadcast on RTÉ Two.