The Ulster Women’s squad has been announced for this seasons Interprovincial series which kicks off next Saturday when Ulster Women host Munster Women at Ravenhill. Kick off 3:00 pm.
The squad will be captained by Gemma McCutcheon and features five of the successful Ulster U18 Women’s Team in Hannah Beattie, Storm Cobain, Brittany Hogan, Vicky Irwin and Leah McGoldrick who have seamlessly graduated to the seniors.
Other new faces include Sapphire Dudley, Shannon Davidson, Claire Johnston, Shauna Martin, Aishling O’Connell and Maeve Liston with coaches Philip Doyle and Jarrett Truscott excited by the increased competition for places this season.
Jordanne Booth and Jasmine Ward are on standby in the Shadow Training Squad and Internationals Nikki Caughey and Ashleigh Baxter will be available, alongside Claire McLaughlin, when released from Irish duties.
| Forwards | Backs |
|---|---|
| Hannah Beattie | Kathryn Dane |
| Storm Cobain | Shannon Davidson |
| Brigid Collins | Amy Davis |
| Beth Cregan | Eliza Downey |
| Sapphire Dudley | Brittany Hogan |
| Kelly Gormley | Vicky Irwin |
| Sorcha Mac Laimhin | Jemma Jackson |
| Lauren Maginnes | Claire Johnston |
| Shauna Martin | Emma Jordan |
| Lesley Megarity | Maeve Liston |
| Gemma McCutcheon | Teah Maguire |
| Naomi McCullough | Peita McAlister |
| Aishling O’Connell | Leah McGoldrick |
| Isle Van Staden | Claire McLaughlin |
| Shirelle Wilson | Imogen Porter |
Our reporter, former Ulster U18 Women Captain, Neve Jones caught up with the seniors captain Gemma McCutcheon yesterday with McCutcheon stating:
Being named Captain is a fantastic opportunity, the team is definitely stronger this year and the players have been working exceptionally hard, both individually and as a team. The mix of longer and shorter training sessions has worked well and the longer session’s focus on the technical aspects has been especially useful.
There is more depth this year, with several of this year’s U18 players moving up this season, which has significantly impacted the squad. The girls have bonded well with the rest of the team and having Jemma Jackson, a senior Ulster player, involved with both camps has certainly helped.
With the Interprovincial series being later this year it has given the team more time to become a unit instead of a group of individuals and we’re looking forward to the challenge from the other Provinces, starting this Saturday with Munster.
Neve also caught up with new faces Maeve Liston and Brittany Hogan and we’ll bring you those interviews later in the week.
