'A special day': Ireland and France name squads for historic women's international

Ireland will face France for the first time in a women’s senior international tomorrow (Saturday), 12 July. The nations will now meet at Garda Westmanstown RFC in Dublin in a change to the venue, at the slightly earlier kick off time of 4pm.

On a day of international rugby league action, Ireland will also face Scotland in the final round of the men’s U16 and U18 Four Nations competition, with those matches kicking off at 12pm and 2pm respectively.

Ireland women will use the game as part of their preparations for the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series, which takes place in Canada in October, with the aim of qualifying for their first World Cup, head coach Matt Kennerson set to give up to six debuts with Aimee Clarke, Katie Ann O'Neill, Emma Kelly, Aífric Ni Ghibne, Molly Boyne and Becky Webb all in contention.

A total of 13 of their 19-player squad are selected from the Rugby League Ireland domestic competition.

Skipper Orlaith McAuliffe, from Dublin Exiles, said: “It’s always an honour to wear the green jersey, but Saturday will be especially meaningful — leading the girls out at home in front of our supporters. We know we’re up against a very strong French side, but there’s a great energy in the squad and we’re excited for the challenge. It’s going to be a special day, and we’re ready to give it everything.”

France begin their preparations for the 2026 Women’s World Cup, with head coach Romain Maillot set to hand debuts to Anaïs Andral and Mélissa Medina from RC Lescure Arthes XIII and St Esteve XIII Catalan’s Kaïna Absi.

France women’s captain, Manon Samarra, commented: “The squad is delighted to be traveling to Ireland. The preparation has been good and the whole team is looking forward to the experience.”

IRELAND SQUAD:
Katie-Anne McCallion (Banbridge Broncos), Molly Boyne, Aimee Clarke, Emma Kelly, Lena Kibler, Orlaith McAuliffe, Katie-Ann O’Neill, Cliodhna O’Sullivan, Anna Potterton, Aine Rutley (Dublin Exiles), Aifric Ní Ghibne, Holly O’Dwyer, Stacy Hanley (Galway Tribes), Megan Preston (Huddersfield Giants), Storm Cobain (Leigh Leopards), Iona McCusker, Jade Walker, Polly Roberts (London Broncos), Becky Webb (Widnes Vikings).  

FRANCE SQUAD:
Amaël Vilanove (As Ayguesvivoise XIII), Elodie Pacull (Les Baroudeuses De Pia), Lucie Castello, Tallis Kuresa (RC Begles XIII), Anaïs Andral, Stecy Bessiere, Lauréane Biville, Lisa Diraison, Mélissa Medina, Perle Ramazeilles, Dorine Samarra, Manon Samarra, Noémie Samuel, Salomé Segala, (RC Lescure Arthes XIII), Kaïna Absi, Leïla Bessahli, Pauline Noe, Justine Roses (St Esteve XIII Catalan)