Anthony Eddy believes the introduction of an array of Sevens stars to the Championship arena can help Ireland enjoy a ‘really positive’ Women’s Six Nations campaign.
Uncapped quintet Stacey Flood, Eve Higgins, Emily Lane, Grace Moore and Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe are part of Adam Griggs’ 35-strong squad having shone in the World Sevens Series in recent years.
Ireland begin their 2021 Championship with a trip to Wales on Saturday and Eddy, the IRFU’s director of Women’s and Sevens rugby, is excited to see the new faces make an impact.
“They are confident players and their skill level is very good,” he said.
“We’ve managed to have some internal trials, the old possibles versus probables scenario, and a number of the Sevens girls have now been fully immersed into the programme and put their hands up for selection. There’s really good competition for spots.
“I’ve always said we’re one programme and we’ve shown that over a number of years with the likes of Hannah Tyrrell, Claire Boles and Brittany Hogan playing 15s and Sevens.
“There are a few other players that have been dropped into the 15s and I’m sure we’ll see more of that in the next few months.”
Ireland have not played an international for six months and go into this year’s Women’s Six Nations looking to build on an impressive 2020 campaign which saw them win three of their four matches.
One of those victories came against Saturday’s opponents Wales and Ireland will hope for a repeat performance this weekend to set themselves up for the Round 3 clash with Pool B favourites France.
Having had plenty of training camps to work on various aspects of their game since their last competitive action, Eddy believes the players are raring to go and hailed captain Ciara Griffin for keeping her side motivated through the fallow months.
“She has been outstanding around the group as a leader,” he said. “Between her and the management team, they have kept the group together and focused on what we need to achieve.
“I think they’re jumping out their skin (to play). They’ve had plenty of false starts and to their credit they have turned up week in, week out.
“I think we’ve had 20 camps without playing a match and they’ve prepared as well as they possibly could.
“We are desperate to play now – I’m really excited for them and I’m sure we’re going to have a really positive Six Nations campaign.”
