Ireland v Japan: Jane Clohessy and Niamh Gallagher to make first starts

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has announced his starting lineup for the upcoming Test match against Japan, featuring first-time starts for Jane Clohessy and Niamh Gallagher. The team is preparing for this match following a recent victory in the WXV Global Series.
Why it matters
The selection reflects the team's strategy to integrate new talent while maintaining a core of experienced players for international competition.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Munster second row Jane Clohessy and full-back Niamh Gallagher have been handed their first Ireland starts against Japan
Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has handed first starts to Jane Clohessy and Niamh Gallagher for Saturday's Test with Japan.
The trio of Sophie Barrett, Kate Jordan and Alana McInerney are set to make their Ireland debuts off the bench.
Ireland defeated Japan in the WXV Global Series in Galway on Sunday and the sides will face off again in a Test at Virgin Media Park in Cork.
Bemand's side are back in WXV action with a double-header with South Africa later in October.
Munster's Clohessy will win her third cap with a maiden start in the second row, while full-back Gallagher has been named in the starting team for the first time.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in