Monaghan returns to Ireland team for Scotland game

Co-captain Sam Monaghan has returned to the Ireland team for Saturday's final Women's Six Nations game against Scotland in Belfast.

Monaghan, who missed the France opener because of concussion and was not selected for last week's defeat by England, is back to partner Dorothy Wall in the second row.

Head coach Scott Bemand's other two changes see Enya Breen replace Aoife Dalton at centre and Meabh Deely given the nod at full-back.

Uncapped Leinster back Katie Heffernan is set to make her debut after being named on the bench.

“Sam is a very important player for us. We saw her form earlier in the competition and credit to her for making sure that she is fit for this game," said Ireland assistant coach John McKee.

“We’re looking to her skill as a player but also hear leadership within the group.

“Katie is a player who has been in the Sevens programme for a while. A highly skilled player but also a tough mental resolve to play well in her position in the centres."

Ireland sevens international Heffernan earns inclusion in the matchday 23 after impressing for the Wolfhounds in the Celtic Challenge.

Bemand has stuck with a front row of Linda Djougang, Neve Jones and Christy Haney, while Aoife Walker, Edel McMahon and Brittany Hogan are retained in the back row.

Deely earns her first start of this year's tournament in the back three alongside wings Katie Corrigan and Beibhinn Parsons.

The Irish are coming off a crushing 88-10 defeat by England at Twickenham having earned their first Six Nations wins since 2022 against Wales in Cork.

However, Bemand's side could still finish third - and secure World Cup qualification - with victory over Scotland, who are currently third, at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday.

Ireland: Deely; Corrigan, Higgins, Breen, Parsons; O'Brien, Reilly; Djougang, Jones, Haney; Wall, Monaghan (co-capt); Wafer, McMahon (co-capt), Hogan.

Replacements: Moloney, O'Dowd, McGrath, Tuite, Ikahihifo, Scuffil-McCabe, Dalton, Heffernan.