ULSTER Women’s rugby head coach Murray Houston has named his side to face Connacht in Saturday’s third place play-off in this final round of the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship match at Kingspan Stadium (KO 2.00pm).
Ava Fannin runs on at loosehead with India Daley returning at hooker and Sophie Barrett at tighthead to finish out the trio.
The second row remains the same, with Brenda Barr and Cara O’Kane running out.
Moya Hill and Maebh Clenaghan once more form the back row duo, and are joined by captain, Brittany Hogan.
Filling out the halves, Rachael McIlroy joins Abby Moyles at scrum and fly-half. As Kathryn Dane has earned a call up for the Barbarians Women’s clash with South Africa next week, Queen’s University scrum half McIlroy deputises for her in the Ulster side.
The midfield partnership sees changes with Lucinda Kinghan starting at inside centre, and Catherine Martin takes outside centre.
Joining Lucy Thompson on the wing is Megan Edwards with Lauren Farrell-McCabe starting at full-back.
Replacement cover comes from Christy Hill, Bronach Cassidy, Megan Brodie, Ellen Patterson, Stacey Sloan, Paige Smyth, Lauren Patterson, Peita McAlister with Megan Simpson as a reserve.
Ireland co-captain Edel McMahon, and teenage backs Sarah Purcell and Hannah Clarke, coming in as the Westerners’’ three changes.
Ulster Rugby v Connacht Rugby, Saturday 31 August (kick-off 2.00pm)
(15-9): Lauren Farrell – McCabe, Lucy Thompson, Catherine Martin, Lucinda Kinghan, Megan Edwards, Abby Moyles, Rachael McIlroy
(1-8): Ava Fannin, India Daley, Sophie Barrett, Brenda Barr, Cara O’Kane, Moya Hill, Maebh Clenaghan, Brittany Hogan (C)
Replacements: Christy Hill, Bronach Cassidy, Megan Brodie, Ellen Patterson, Stacey Sloan, Paige Smyth, Lauren Patterson, Peita McAlister (VC)
Reserve: Megan Simpson
