McGrath returns to Ireland squad for WXV1 campaign

Ireland prop Sadhbh McGrath is back in the 30-player Ireland squad for the WXV1 tournament in Vancouver.

The 20-year-old Ulster front row has returned to fitness while injury rules out fellow prop Christy Haney.

The four players who made their Test debuts in last Saturday’s victory over Australia – Ruth Campbell, Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Siobhan McCarthy and Erin King – are included in the travelling party

Props Sophie Barrett and Andrea Stock are two of four uncapped players named in the panel, joining backs Katie Heffernan and Caitríona Finn.

Scott Bemand’s side will face New Zealand, Canada and USA in their WXV1 debut in Canada.

Ireland start against the Black Ferns at BC Place on 29 September before going head-to-head with hosts Canada at Langley Events Centre on 5 October.

The Irish finish the tournament against USA at BC Place on 11 October.

“We have spoken consistently about building strong squad depth within the group, and the performance against Australia and training intensity of the last two weeks, presented the coaching team with a number of difficult selection decisions,” said Bemand.

“The performance and result on Saturday was a really pleasing start point for our season. The focus now turns to WXV1, preparing well for the challenges ahead and continuing to grow our wave moving towards the tournament opener against the Black Ferns.”

Ireland squad:

Forwards (17): Sophie Barrett (Ulster), Ruth Campbell (Leinster), Linda Djougang (Leinster), Brittany Hogan (Ulster), Neve Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury), Erin King (Old Belvedere RFC), Siobhán McCarthy (Munster), Sadhbh McGrath (Ulster), Edel McMahon (Connacht), Clíodhna Moloney (Exeter Chiefs), Grace Moore (Ealing Trailfinders/IQ Rugby), Deirbhile Nic a Bháird (Munster), Niamh O’Dowd (Leinster), Andrea Stock (Ealing Trailfinders/IQ Rugby), Fiona Tuite (Ulster), Aoife Wafer (Leinster), Dorothy Wall (Munster).

Backs (13): Enya Breen (Munster), Eimear Considine (Munster), Aoife Dalton (Leinster), Vicky Elmes Kinlan (Wicklow RFC), Caitríona Finn (Munster), Stacey Flood (Railway Union RFC), Nicole Fowley (Connacht), Katie Heffernan (Leinster), Eve Higgins (Railway Union RFC), Emily Lane (Blackrock College RFC), Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe (Munster), Molly Scuffil-McCabe (Leinster), Dannah O’Brien (Leinster).