Sophie Barrett flies the flag for Ulster in Six Nations Women’s Summer Series

ENNISKILLEN’S Sophie Barrett is Ulster’s sole reprersentative on the Ireland Women’s U20s squad, sponsored by PwC, heading to Italy in the inaugural Six Nations Women’s Summer Series.

Following a series of camps at the IRFU High Performance Centre and a training camp in England, Head Coach Niamh Briggs has selected a squad of 28 players to travel to Parma, where Ireland will face England, Italy and Scotland.

Galwegians forward Jane Neill has been named captain, while Kate Flannery of UL Bohemian is vice-captain.

With each team permitted to include three U23 players in their match day squad, Briggs has selected Ruth Campbell, Amanda McQuade, Chisom Ugwueru, Faith Oviawe and Ivana Kiripati to travel.

Ireland’s opening match is against England on Thursday, July 4 (Kick-off 5.30pm BST), before Briggs’ side face Italy in Match Day 2 on Tuesday, July 9 (Kick-off 9am BST).

The campaign concludes against Scotland on Sunday, July 14 (Kick-off 9am), with all matches streamed live on the Six Nations U20 YouTube Channel, as well on IrishRugby.ie.

Head Coach Niamh Briggs said: “It’s exciting for all of us to be part of this tournament. Having these structures in place at U18 and U20 is important in helping the players to develop and bridge the gap to senior internationals. This gives players time to expose themselves to better opposition and I suppose expose themselves to higher level rugby, expose themselves to camp and the environment that that brings.”

Commenting on the traveling squad announcement, Enda McDonagh, Managing Partner at PwC Ireland added: “Everyone at PwC is really excited about the inaugural U20 Women’s Six Nations Summer Series campaign kicking off in Parma, Italy next week.

“We wish Head Coach Niamh Briggs, her wider coaching team and all the players in the travelling squad the very best of luck in their three fixtures, as they take on England, Italy and Scotland.”

Ireland U20 Women’s Squad – Six Nations Summer Series

Forwards

Sophie Barrett – Enniskillen/Railway Union/Ulster

Grainne Burke – Ennis/Munster

Kelly Burke – Mullingar/Leinster

Beth Buttimer – UL Bohemian/Munster

Ruth Campbell – Old Belvedere/Leinster

Aoibheann Hahessy – UL Bohemian/Munster

Brianna Heylmann – UL Bohemian/Munster

Ivana Kiripati – American International College/Connacht

Roisin Maher – Galwegians/Connacht

Amanda McQuade – Ealing Trailfinders/IQ Rugby