Ireland Women’s rugby team will open a new chapter in its international development on Saturday when Scott Bemand’s side faces South Africa in Cape Town, with hooker Neve Jones set to win her 50th international cap.
The match at Athlone Stadium will be the first meeting between the two countries in women’s rugby and marks another significant step in Ireland’s efforts to establish a more consistent international programme beyond the annual Six Nations Championship and the WXV Tournament.
The opening Test, which kicks off at 2pm Irish time, will be shown live on TG4, with a second encounter against the Springbok Women scheduled as part of the WXV Global Series.
Jones will become the 17th Irish woman to reach 50 international appearances, having debuted against Italy during the 2020 Six Nations.
The Gloucester-Hartpury forward has developed into an important member of Ireland’s pack, bringing experience from the English professional game and a reputation for her work at the breakdown and in defence.
Her milestone comes as Bemand continues to build a squad combining established internationals with younger players emerging through the provincial and club structures.
The Ireland head coach has made just two changes to the starting side that defeated Japan 43-19 in Cork earlier this month.
Stacey Flood returns at full-back, while Dorothy Wall comes into the second row alongside Jane Clohessy.
Erin King continues as captain, supported by an experienced back row and a front row featuring Linda Djougang, Jones and EilÃs Cahill.
Behind the scrum, Emily Lane and Dannah O’Brien form the half-back partnership, with Aoife Dalton and Anna McGann in midfield. Béibhinn Parsons and Robyn O’Connor occupy the wing positions.
Bemand has selected six forwards from his eight replacements, reflecting the physical demands he anticipates against South Africa.
The bench includes Beth Buttimer, Niamh O’Dowd, Sadhbh McGrath, Kate Jordan, Grace Moore and Jemima Adams Verling, with Aoibheann Reilly and Eve Higgins providing backline cover.
Ireland arrived in South Africa last week, allowing the squad additional preparation time before the opening Test.
Bemand has emphasised the importance of testing his players in different environments as the team continues its development.
“We have reset well after the recent home block of fixtures and are ready to embrace the challenge of playing away from home,” he said when announcing the team.
He added that facing strong opposition in difficult conditions would be an important measure of the squad’s progress.
The two matches also form part of a broader international programme that has already brought Ireland into competition with the United States and Japan during the autumn.
That expanded calendar is important for a team seeking to close the gap on the leading nations in women’s rugby.
Ireland have made significant progress under Bemand, including improved Six Nations performances and the emergence of a more competitive squad.
TG4’s coverage ensures supporters in Ireland can follow the team during its overseas programme, keeping visibility between major international competitions.
The team attracted more than 31,000 spectators to Aviva Stadium earlier this year, demonstrating the potential audience for major women’s international fixtures.
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Image Credit: Irish Rugby
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