Head Coach Murray Houston has named a 34-player Ulster squad for the 2026 Women’s Interprovincial Championship, with India Daley set to continue as captain for the upcoming campaign.
Having led the side last season, the Enniskillen forward will once again skipper Ulster, bringing her experience and leadership as the squad look to build momentum throughout this year’s championship. Abby Moyles and Irish Sevens Olympian Claire Boles have been named as Vice-Captains.
Houston has been able to call on a mix of experience and youth within his squad, alongside an additional 13 development players who will be involved to gain valuable experience across the training weeks and upcoming fixtures.
The squad brings together a blend of experienced and exciting emerging talent, with players earning selection through strong performances at club level across the province. Ireland internationals Fiona Tuite and Sadhbh McGrath add further experience to the group, while a number of players return after representing Ulster in previous Interprovincial campaigns.
Eight Ulster players were also involved in the Wolfhounds’ successful Celtic Challenge campaign, securing a third consecutive title. Their involvement at that level reflects the continued progression of players through the provincial pathway and into high-performance environments.
Among those recognised for their performances last season, Niamh Marley was recently named Women’s Player of the Year following a standout campaign in Ulster colours.
The squad reflects the continued growth of the women’s game across Ulster, with players representing Enniskillen, Queen’s University, Cooke, Clogher Valley, Ballymena, Banbridge and Virginia. In turn the clubs represented reflects the strength of the provincial pathway and the depth of talent being developed across the women’s game.
The Women’s Interprovincial Championship brings together the four provinces and offers players the opportunity to test themselves against the best talent in the country while continuing their development within the provincial pathway.
“We’re really pleased with the balance we’ve achieved in this squad. There is a strong core of players who have experience at this level alongside a number of younger players who have earned their opportunity,” said head coach Murray Houston.
“The players are working incredibly hard throughout the summer, and we’re excited to see them represent Ulster.”
Former Ulster Rugby back-row forward and Ireland Under-20s captain Reuben Crothers joins the coaching team, bringing experience from both his professional playing career and coaching pathway. Crothers returned to his boyhood club, Ballynahinch RFC, in 2025 and has since guided Down High School’s girls’ team to the 2026 Danske Bank Girls’ Schools’ Cup Final.
Joining him is Griffin Philipson, who has been appointed Scrum and Defence Coach. The former the former English Championship and City of Armagh RFC player brings previous coaching experience from Malone Rugby Club’s senior men’s and women’s teams.
Ireland international centre and Senior Men’s player, James Hume, has also joined the coaching team this summer and brings a wealth of top-level experience into the group as Skills Coach.
“It’s a huge honour to captain Ulster again and something I’m incredibly proud of. Representing your province is always special and to lead this group is a privilege,” said captain India Daley.
“We’ve got a great mix of experienced players and younger talent coming through, and everyone is excited to get the campaign underway. We’re working hard to prepare and we’re looking forward to putting in performances that our supporters can be proud of.”
ULSTER SQUAD
Forwards (21): Ava Fannin, Bronach Cassidy, Cara McClean, Christy Hill, Claire Boles, Ellen Patterson, Emily Whittle, Fiona Tuite, Grace Simati, India Daley (C), Jemima Johnson, Katie Hetherington, Maebh Clenaghan, Moya Hill, Olivia McKinley, Rebecca Beacom, Ruby Starrett, Sadhbh McGrath, Sarah Roberts, Sophie Barrett, Stacey Sloan.
Backs (13): Abby Moyles, Caitlin Crowe, Ciara Fitzsimons, Ella Durkan, Georgia Boyce, Katie Gilmour, Leah Irwin, Lucy Thompson, Niamh Marley, Rachael McIlroy, Rebecca Mann, Siobhan Sheerin, Sophie Meeke
ULSTER FIXTURES:
Saturday August 8: Connacht (home) 4.15pm
Saturday August 15: Munster (away) 2.30pm
Saturday August 22: Leinster (home) 2.30pm
Finals day: Saturday August 29, The Sportsground, Galway. Third-place play-off: 2.00pm. Final: 4.30pm
