Ireland women’s rugby will celebrate a significant individual milestone when hooker Neve Jones earns her 50th cap for her country in the opening WXV Global Series test against South Africa in Cape Town.
The squad announcement brings welcome news for Ireland, with the return of full-back Stacey Flood and lock Dorothy Wall to the lineup. Their availability strengthens the backline and forward pack for the first of two matches against the Springboks in the southern African showdown.
Leadership and Structure
Erin King will captain the side from open-side flanker, leading the squad into battle under the guidance of coach Scott Bemand. King’s appointment as skipper underscores her importance to the team’s structure and performance at test level.
WXV Global Series Campaign
The two-test series against South Africa marks Ireland’s participation in the expanded WXV Global Series, with both fixtures taking place in Cape Town. The tournament format brings together the world’s leading women’s rugby nations in a significant international window.
Jones’ 50-cap achievement represents a considerable tenure at test level, reflecting her consistency and value to the Irish hooking position across multiple campaigns. The recognition comes as she continues her involvement with the squad for this crucial series.
The return of Flood and Wall addresses key positional depth for Ireland, with both players bringing valuable experience to their respective positions ahead of the Cape Town tests. Their inclusion signals confidence in the squad’s ability to compete at this level of international rugby.