NEW LEINSTER WOMEN’S head coach Ben Armstrong has named his first team of the 2018 inter-provincial campaign, with the eastern province including seven uncapped players for Friday’s clash with Ulster.
The loss of Ireland internationals Sophie Spence, Orla Fitzsimons and Paula Fitzpatrick is a blow to Leinster’s chances of retaining the title they surrendered last year, but there is an exciting blend of youth and experience in their squad.
Sene Naoupu captains the province for their opening assignment at Stradbrook on Friday evening [KO 7pm] while Armstrong has been able to bolster his resources by recruiting out-half Nikki Caughey from Ulster, scrum-half Ellen Murphy from Munster and Connacht’s Katie O’Dwyer.
The addition of Kiwi Nicole Purdom, who has impressed in club rugby with Suttonians RFC, further strengthens Leinster’s back row options as they bid to win their fifth inter-pro crown.
While there is an element of a changing of the guard after last season, Leinster are still stocked with international experience in the form of Ireland centre Naoupu, Lindsay Peat, Aoife McDermott, Ciara Cooney and Megan Williams.
After their campaign opener against Ulster, Armstrong’s side then face Connacht in Galway on 9 September and Munster at Donnybrook on 15 September.
Ulster’s 26-player squad contains three Ireland internationals in captain Larissa Muldoon, Claire McLaughin and Ilse van Staden and emerging talent, including Emma Jordan who is excelling in a leadership role and Neve Jones, who continues to develop following her role as captain of the U18s side who won the series in 2016.
Meanwhile, Munster’s title defence has been bolstered by the availability of Ireland captain Ciara Griffin and Niamh Briggs for their opening game with Connacht at Musgrave Park on Saturday [KO 2.30pm].
Head coach Laura Guest has named prop Fiona Hayes and Chloe Pearse as co-captains, with 12 of the starting XV coming from UL Bohemians.
Leinster (v Ulster):
15. Lauren Farrell McCabe (Suttonians RFC)*
14. Gemma Matthews (Old Belvedere RFC)*
13. Michelle Claffey (Blackrock College RFC)
12. Sene Naoupu (Old Belvedere RFC, captain)
11. Elise O’ Byrne White (Old Belvedere RFC)
10. Nikki Caughey (Railway Union RFC)*
9. Ellen Murphy (Old Belvedere RFC)*