Sadhbh McGrath hoping to impress prior to World Cup squad selection 

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has named his squad for their final warm-up match ahead of the Rugby World Cup, as they prepare to face Canada in Belfast this afternoon.

And Buncrana ace Sadhbh McGrath will be keen to make an impression as Ireland look to whittle down their numbers ahead of the final squad announcement. 

There are ten changes to the starting XV from the team that defeated Scotland last weekend. Neve Jones will co-captain the side, while fellow skipper Sam Monaghan is named among the replacements.

In the forward pack, Niamh O’Dowd and Linda Djougang join Jones in the front row. Fiona Tuite and Ruth Campbell take on second-row duties, with the back row trio of Grace Moore, Ivana Kiripati, and Brittany Hogan remaining unchanged from last week’s match.

The backline features Aoibheann Reilly at scrum-half and Dannah O’Brien at fly-half. Enya Breen and Aoife Dalton form the midfield pairing, while Anna McGann and Béibhinn Parsons occupy the wings. Stacey Flood completes the starting fifteen at full-back.

The bench offers strong impact options, including forwards Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Ellena Perry, Sadhbh McGrath, Eimear Corri-Fallon, Sam Monaghan, and Claire Boles. Backline cover is provided by Emily Lane and Eve Higgins.

One notable inclusion is Ellena Perry, who previously earned 11 caps for England before becoming eligible to play for Ireland through her maternal grandfather, under World Rugby’s eligibility rules.

Speaking about the team selection, Bemand said:  "Having another high-quality game before the Rugby World Cup is hugely important, and we expect a tough test from Canada. 

“We showed good resilience last week after a slow start, but we know we need to be sharper from the first whistle. With the World Cup squad announcement coming early next week, there’s plenty on the line."

Ireland Women’s Team to Face Canada: Stacey Flood, Béibhinn Parsons, Aoife Dalton, Enya Breen, Anna McGann, Dannah O’Brien, Aoibheann Reilly, Niamh O’Dowd, Neve Jones (Co-Captain), Linda Djougang, Ruth Campbell, Fiona Tuite, Grace Moore, Ivana Kiripati, Brittany Hogan (Vice-Captain)

Replacements: Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Ellena Perry, Sadhbh McGrath, Eimear Corri-Fallon, Sam Monaghan (Co-Captain), Claire Boles, Emily Lane, Eve Higgins.