Ireland will be looking to build on last year’s fifth-place finish in the Women’s Six Nations when they begin their 2020 Championship challenge against Scotland in Dublin.
Head coach Adam Griggs has been encouraged by the way preparations have gone so far for his side, having defeated Championship rivals Wales in a warm-up game earlier this month.
Tries from Aoife Doyle, Hannah O’Connor, Eimear Considine and Edel McMahon helped Ireland to a 22-12 win in the training game at The Vale.
“The preparation has been good so far, January has flown by for us really but what we’ve done in camp our preparation and detail has been good,” said Griggs.
“I think the players and coaching staff are ready to get going now. I think over the last couple of years I’ve been involved we have developed the strongest squad we’ve had.
“There’s been more competition for places and you can look at some of the younger players who have come through the pathway that has been set up by the U18 programme.”
Ireland begin their campaign by welcoming Scotland to Energia Park, where they were defeated 15-12 two years ago – a result Griggs is determined to avoid this time around.
“It’s going to be a huge game [against Scotland] and we’re focusing on starting well,” he said.
“Having Scotland come to us, we had a friendly against them in the autumn as well, so the challenge is there for us to start well and I know they will bring it as well.”
Round 1: Ireland v Scotland (Sunday 2 February 13:00 Energia Park, Dublin)
Round 2: Ireland v Wales (Sunday 9 February 13:00 Energia Park, Dublin)
Round 3: England v Ireland (Sunday 23 February 12:45 Castle Park Doncaster)
Round 4: Ireland v Italy (Sunday 8 March 13:00 Energia Park, Dublin)
Round 5: France v Ireland (Sunday 15 March 15:35 Le Stadium, Lille)
Tickets start from €10 for unreserved seating and go up to €15. However, tickets for all three home matches can be bought in a super saving three-match pack for just €30.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/tickets/
