Exeter Chiefs Women’s duo get their chance for Ireland

Exeter Chiefs’ Nancy McGillivray and Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald have been selected for Ireland to play against Spain this weekend.

After waiting eight years to return to the Rugby World Cup arena, it was an emotional game for Ireland as they beat Japan 42-14 on Sunday. They now take on Spain, who suffered a 54-8 defeat at the hands of the Black Ferns.

Moloney-McDonald was the only player in last weekend’s Ireland 23 who was playing in her second World Cup. She will start in the hooker’s jersey after coming off the bench last week.

She said: "I'm very excited to play against Spain, they offer a different challenge to Japan. They have a lot of talented players especially some of their backs who can be very threatening and exciting with ball in hand. As a squad, we are trying to build momentum after a positive start last week and build towards the next two pool games."

In contrast, McGillivray is poised pick up just her second cap on Sunday (KO 12:00) when she runs out at Franklin’s Gardens. She switched allegiance from England to Ireland just ahead of the latter’s warm-up phase this summer and has been rewarded with her first World Cup appearance.

Lastly, winger Francesca Granzotto will be hoping to come off the bench in a crucial pool tie against South Africa at the Community Stadium in York (KO 15:30).