Fryday named Ireland captain

By Harry Scott-Munro
21/3/22

Exeter Chiefs Women’s second-row Nichola Fryday has today been announced as Ireland’s captain ahead of the upcoming TikTok Women’s Six Nations Championship.

Head Coach Greg McWilliams has named a 38-player squad, including nine uncapped players, as Ireland look to start afresh after suffering disappointment in their hopes to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Since making her international debut in 2016 against Canada, Fryday has been a mainstay in the engine room for her country, earning 22 international caps.

The 26-year-old has become an important leader both on and off the field for her country, most recently winning the Aon Player of the Match award in the November Test win over USA at the RDS.

Fryday arrived in Exeter in November and has since made nine appearances for Susie Appleby’s side, adding crucial experience and tactical nous to the Chiefs pack, as the side look to seal a spot in the Allianz Premier 15s play-offs.

Speaking after being named as captain of her country, Fryday described the news as “a special moment.”

“It is the greatest honour in anyone’s sporting career to play for your country, so for me to be given the opportunity to captain Ireland is an incredible honour and I’m grateful for the chance to lead this team,” explained the second row.

“It is a special moment for me and my family, who have been my supporting rock throughout my career. It is a privilege to lead this group of players as we embark on a new journey with Greg and the coaching team, and we are all incredibly excited to get to work this Saturday against Wales.”

Head Coach Greg McWilliams described Fryday as the “standout candidate” to replace Ciara Griffin and will be hoping that Fryday and her team-mates can deliver from the off, when they take on Wales in their opening match of the tournament on Saturday.

“Nichola epitomises everything about our environment – she is a brilliant person, a vocal voice within the group and a player who gives her all for the green jersey. I was delighted to appoint her to the role.”

McWilliams also shared that Fryday’s parents were able to hear the news via Zoom, at the same time the announcement was made to the rest of the squad.

“It was a special occasion on Sunday as we delivered the news to Nichola and the group, and to have her parents and family join the meeting via Zoom made it extra special. We are working hard every day to become better as a team and individuals and I’m confident we are moving in the right direction ahead of the Championship.”

Ireland kick-off their campaign against Wales in Dublin on Saturday, with Fryday potentially coming up against three of her club team-mates (Caitlin Lewis, Abby Fleming and Niamh Terry), before traveling to face France. They then face Italy at home, before rounding off their campaign with an away clash with reigning Grand Slam Champions England and a final-day clash with Scotland in Belfast.

Ireland Squad for 2022 TikTok Six Nations

Forwards (20):

Amanda McQuade (Railway Union RFC/Ulster)*
Katie O’Dwyer (Railway Union RFC/Leinster) (5)
Chloe Pearse (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster) (2)
Linda Djougang (ASM Romagnat Rugby/Leinster) (17)
Christy Haney (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)*
Claire Boles (Railway Union RFC/Ulster) (3)
Emma Hooban (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster) (8)
Neve Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury/Ulster) (6)
Nichola Fryday (Exeter Chiefs/Connacht) (22) (capt)
Sam Monaghan (Wasps/IQ Rugby)(5)
Aoife McDermott (Railway Union RFC/Leinster) (18)
Anna McGann (Railway Union RFC/Connacht)*
Grace Moore (Railway Union RFC/IQ Rugby) (1)
Dorothy Wall (Blackrock College RFC/Munster) (10)
Aoife Wafer (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)*
Brittany Hogan (Old Belvedere RFC/Ulster) (7)
Emma Murphy (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)*
Edel McMahon (Wasps/IQ Rugby) (14)
Maeve Óg O’Leary (Blackrock College RFC/Munster) (1)
Hannah O’Connor (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster) (7)

Backs (18):

Aoibheann Reilly (Blackrock College RFC/Connacht)*
Kathryn Dane (Old Belvedere RFC/Ulster) (18)
Ailsa Hughes (Railway Union RFC/Leinster) (13)
Nicole Cronin (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster) (16)
Nikki Caughey (Railway Union RFC/Leinster) (13)
Enya Breen (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster) (9)
Stacey Flood (Railway Union RFC/Leinster) (7)
Michelle Claffey (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster) (12)
Eve Higgins (Railway Union RFC/Leinster) (6)
Lucy Mulhall (Wicklow RFC/Leinster) (1)
Beibhinn Parsons (Blackrock College RFC/Connacht) (15)
Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe (Railway Union RFC/Munster) (6)
Aoife Doyle (Railway Union RFC/Munster) (7)
Natasja Behan (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster)*
Lauren Delany (Sale Sharks/IQ Rugby) (18)
Eimear Considine (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster) (23)
Molly Scuffil-McCabe (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)*
Vicky Irwin (Sale Sharks/IQ Rugby)*

*Denotes uncapped player