Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has handed Jane Clohessy and Niamh Gallagher their first starts for the national team in Saturday's Test match against Japan. The fixture follows Ireland's recent victory over Japan in the WXV Global Series in Galway.
Munster's Clohessy will earn her third cap, making her maiden start in the second row. Full-back Gallagher has also been named in the starting line-up for the first time. The team will also see new faces off the bench, with Sophie Barrett, Kate Jordan, and Alana McInerney poised to make their Ireland debuts.
Despite the introduction of new talent, Bemand's squad retains experienced players, including Linda Djougang, Neve Jones, and Eilis Cahill in the front row. Erin King will captain the side from flanker. Aoife Wafer, a key back row player, will not be risked due to a "minor" training injury that also kept her out of last Sunday's game against Japan.
Ireland is scheduled to return to WXV action later in October with a double-header against South Africa.