Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has unveiled three changes to his starting lineup for Saturday's Women's Six Nations encounter with Italy in Galway, headlined by the debut of 20-year-old winger Robyn O'Connor.
O'Connor, a Leinster talent who previously represented Ireland in sevens rugby, steps in for Vicky Elmes Kinlan on the left wing. She is joined by centre Nancy McGillivray and second row Ruth Campbell, who both earn starting spots, with Eve Higgins and Dorothy Wall moving to the bench for the match at Dexcom Stadium—a venue hosting its first Six Nations fixture.
Bemand praised O'Connor's dynamic qualities, stating: "She's a really tough player with physicality, change of direction, and excellent footwork—attributes that can create attacking opportunities. She knows her way to the try line and is a confident fielder, having played full-back in her earlier years."
O'Connor's selection follows a standout performance in the Celtic Challenge earlier this year, where she scored five tries to help the Wolfhounds retain the title.
In further squad news, former co-captain Sam Monaghan returns from injury to take a place on the bench, while prop Sadhbh McGrath also joins the matchday squad.
The back three will see O'Connor alongside full-back Stacey Flood and Galway-born winger Beibhinn Parsons, while McGillivray partners Aoife Dalton in midfield. With scrum-half Aoibheann Reilly still unavailable, Emily Lane continues alongside fly-half Dannah O'Brien.
Bemand highlighted O'Brien's growth, noting: "Dannah has developed significantly in the public eye. We're challenging her to take on more leadership, both on and off the pitch, and her communication has improved dramatically over the past two years."
Ireland will be looking to bounce back from their opening 33-12 defeat to England, while Italy also seeks redemption after a 40-7 loss to France. The match kicks off at 17:40 BST on Saturday, 18 April, with live coverage available on BBC platforms.