Amee-Leigh Costigan will lead Ireland for the first time when they take on France in their Guinness Women’s Six Nations opener at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday.
The Ireland Sevens veteran, earning her 14th cap in the XVs format, has been named on the left wing, with regular co-captain Edel McMahon starting on the bench.
Squad Changes and Key Inclusions
Head coach Scott Bemand has made four changes to the side that secured a 26-14 victory over the USA in their last international match at the WXV in Canada. Anna McGann, Eve Higgins, Dannah O’Brien, and Ruth Campbell all come into the starting lineup.
Stacey Flood returns from an ankle injury to take the full-back position, while McGann slots in on the right wing, replacing the now-retired Eimear Considine. In the midfield, Higgins starts at inside centre, with Aoife Dalton shifting to outside centre.
Emily Lane retains her place at scrum-half and will make her first Six Nations appearance since 2021. Meanwhile, O’Brien replaces Nicole Fowley at fly-half.
Forward Pack and Tactical Selections
Ireland’s front row remains unchanged, with Niamh O’Dowd, Neve Jones, and Linda Djougang continuing their partnership. In the second row, Campbell comes in for Fiona Tuite and will partner Dorothy Wall.
The back row sees a positional reshuffle, with Brittany Hogan moving to blindside, Erin King shifting to openside, and Aoife Wafer starting at number eight.
Bemand has opted for a 6:2 split on the bench, prioritizing forward reinforcements. Clíodhna Moloney, Siobhán McCarthy, Christy Haney, Grace Moore, Tuite, and McMahon provide depth in the pack, while Aoibheann Reilly and Enya Breen cover the backline.
France’s Squad and Key Opponents
France, who are expected to be strong contenders in the championship, have named a formidable lineup, co-captained by Marine Menager and Manae Feleu. Morgane Bourgeois starts at full-back, while the experienced Gabrielle Vernier and Nassira Konde form the centre partnership.
Carla Arbez and Pauline Bourdon Sansus will guide the team from the half-back positions. In the pack, Agathe Sochat anchors the front row, while the powerful Madoussou Fall-Raclot partners Feleu in the second row.
Full Team Lineups
Ireland:
Starting XV: Stacey Flood; Anna McGann, Aoife Dalton, Eve Higgins, Amee-Leigh Costigan (capt); Dannah O’Brien, Emily Lane; Niamh O’Dowd, Neve Jones, Linda Djougang; Ruth Campbell, Dorothy Wall; Brittany Hogan, Erin King, Aoife Wafer.
Replacements: Clíodhna Moloney, Siobhán McCarthy, Christy Haney, Grace Moore, Fiona Tuite, Edel McMahon, Aoibheann Reilly, Enya Breen.
France:
Starting XV: Morgane Bourgeois; Melissande Llorens, Nassira Konde, Gabrielle Vernier, Marine Menager (co-capt); Carla Arbez, Pauline Bourdon Sansus; Yllana Brosseau, Agathe Sochat, Rose Bernadou; Manae Feleu (co-capt), Madoussou Fall-Raclot; Charlotte Escudero, Stephanie Okemba, Teani Feleu.
Replacements: Manon Bigot, Ambre Mwayembe, Clara Joyeux, Axelle Berthoumieu, Lea Champon, Alexandra Chambon, Lina Queyroi, Emilie Boulard.
Kickoff and Expectations
With a new captain leading the squad and a strong opposition in France, Ireland will be eager to begin their Six Nations campaign on a positive note. The match at Kingspan Stadium promises to be a tough test for Bemand’s side as they look to build on their recent success.
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