Three Chiefs Women in Ireland Six Nations squad

Three Chiefs Women have been named in the Ireland squad ahead of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Nancy McGillivray and Dorothy Wall have all been recalled to wear the green jersey in Scott Bemand’s squad. Edel McMahon misses out as she is still rehabilitating after two knee operations.

Bemand said: “We’re really excited to announce our squad for the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations. Following on from last year’s Rugby World Cup, we’ve got a strong core of experienced players who have been central to the journey we have been on as a squad, alongside some emerging talent that have come through the pathways and underage system.

“We had a positive three-day camp in January to lay the foundations for what’s ahead and the group – both players and staff – are excited to come back together now to narrow the focus on the challenges ahead. We have a number of exciting opportunities in front of us and there is a real sense of belief, purpose and determination within the group to continue the hard work and progress our game further over the weeks and months ahead.”

Ireland will kick off their 2026 campaign against the World Cup champions, the Red Roses, at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday, April 11. They also have a game at the Aviva Stadium to look forward to on Sunday, May 17, when Ireland take on Scotland.

Wall, who came off the field with a ruptured Achilles last time Ireland played Scotland, said: “The Six Nations means everything really. Every Six Nations brings something different. It's very exhilarating.

“I think post-World Cup, our Irish team has a bit to prove. I think we've left a few games, especially against France, behind us. There's some big fixtures. We play England and Twickenham - I think there's 60,000 tickets sold – and we play in the Aviva, which is our home stadium in Ireland for the first time ever as a women's team.”

Wall added: “But I feel when you get on the pitch and you're playing England or you're playing whoever, it doesn't matter where you are. It's the pride of your country. It's the people around you. It's your family. It's your DNA. It's everything you're made for is to play for Ireland and to go out against these other countries.”

Ireland squad: