Sheehan named in Ireland training squad

By John Harding
26/7/21

Exeter Chiefs Women’s Laura Sheehan is among ten Allianz Premier 15s players in the Ireland Women’s training squad.

Ireland Women’s head coach Adam Griggs has named a 39-strong training squad, including four uncapped players, for the upcoming preparatory camps for the 2021/22 season.

The uncapped players are Lucy Mulhall (Rathdrum/Leinster), the Ireland 7s captain, Kathryn Buggy (Gloucester-Hartpury Women/IQ Rugby), Mary Healy (Lindenwood University/IQ Rugby) and Sam Monaghan (Wasps/IQ Rugby).

Cork-born wing Sheehan (Exeter Chiefs/IQ Rugby) and full back/wing Lauren Delany (Sale Sharks/ IQ Rugby) are the only two Allianz Premier 15s players in the 15-strong backs in the squad.

Sheehan, 28, made her Irish debut in 2018 against the USA, where she marked the occasion with a try. She replicated that with a try on her first start for Exeter Chiefs Women in the 17-12 home victory over Loughborough Lightning in March 2021.

As well as Buggy and Monaghan, the other players from Allianz Premier 15s players among the 24 forwards in the squad are the Harlequins/ IQ Rugby pairing of Anna Caplice and Leah Lyons, plus the Wasps/IQ Rugby quartet of Ciara Cooney, Claire Molloy, Cliodhna Moloney and Sam Monaghan.

“The players are refreshed and energised about our first squad camp this weekend and look forward to starting our preparation for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers after a productive 2021 Women’s Six Nations,” said Griggs. “While it is our first camp back together, we will be driving the standards that have been set and expect this pre-season block to be extremely competitive. There are some new faces in the group while we also welcome back a number of players from injury, so it’s an ideal opportunity for them to put their hand up during this window.

“This is a hugely important year for women in Irish Rugby, and as such, it’s brilliant to welcome the new #NothingLikeIt initiative. Working with this group of international players, I understand what that means, and I look forward to supporting the campaign and seeing it progress throughout the coming months.”

Ireland Training Squad - Backs: Enya Breen (UL Bohemian/ Munster), Eimear Considine (UL Bohemian/ Munster), Kathryn Dane (Old Belvedere/ Ulster), Lauren Delany (Sale Sharks/ IQ Rugby), Aoife Doyle (Railway Union/ Munster), Stacey Flood (Railway Union/Leinster), Eve Higgins (Railway Union/Leinster), Emily Lane (Blackrock College/Munster), Ailsa Hughes (Railway Union/Leinster), Lucy Mulhall (Rathdrum/Leinster), Ellen Murphy (Blackrock College/Leinster), Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe (Railway Union/Munster), Sene Naoupu (Old Belvedere/ Leinster), Beibhinn Parsons (Ballinasloe/Blackrock College/ Connacht), Laura Sheehan (Exeter Chiefs/IQ Rugby).

Forwards: Judy Bobbett (Blackrock College/Leinster), Claire Boles (Railway Union/Ulster), Kathryn Buggy (Gloucester-Hartpury/IQ Rugby), Anna Caplice (Harlequins/ IQ Rugby), Ciara Cooney (Wasps/IQ Rugby), Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere/ Leinster), Laura Feely (Blackrock College/ Connacht), Nichola Fryday (Blackrock College/ Connacht), Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemian/ Munster), Mary Healy (Lindenwood University/IQ Rugby), Brittany Hogan (DCU/Old Belvedere/Ulster), Neve Jones (Malone/Ulster), Leah Lyons (Harlequins/ IQ Rugby), Aoife McDermott (Railway Union/ Leinster), Edel McMahon (Wasps/IQ Rugby), Claire Molloy (Wasps/IQ Rugby), Cliodhna Moloney (Wasps/ IQ Rugby), Sam Monaghan (Wasps/IQ Rugby), Grace Moore (Railway Union/IQ Rugby), Hannah O’Connor (Blackrock College/ Leinster), Katie O’Dwyer (Railway Union/ Leinster), Chloe Pearse (UL Bohemian/ Munster), Lindsay Peat (Railway Union/ Leinster), Dorothy Wall (Blackrock College/ Munster).