Aoife Dalton during an Ireland women’s rugby squad training session at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin this week. Dalton to start for Ireland in clash with world championsClara native Aoife Dalton has been selected to start for Ireland in Saturday’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations opener against England at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (kick-off 2.25pm). Dalton will be partnered in the centre by Eve Higgins in the team selected by Ireland head coach Scott Bemand. Moloney-MacDonald will become the 16th Ireland women’s player to reach half a century of appearances in green. Replacements: Neve Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury), Niamh O’Dowd (Gloucester-Hartpury), Eilís Cahill (UL Bohemian RFC/Munster), Ruth Campbell (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster), Grace Moore (Trailfinders Women/IQ Rugby), Katie Whelan (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster), Nancy McGillivray (Exeter Chiefs/IQ Rugby), Anna McGann (Railway Union RFC/Connacht).

Source: Irish Independent April 09, 2026 15:16 UTC