King to return in Celtic Challenge Irish derby

1 week ago 2

Ireland international Erin King will return from a lengthy period out through injury when she starts for the Wolfhounds in Saturday's Celtic Challenge Irish derby against the Clovers at Creggs RFC on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

The back-row, who was named as World Rugby Women's XV Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2024, will make her first appearance since sustaining a knee injury in last season's Women's Six Nations, which ruled her out of the remainder of the tournament and the subsequent Rugby World Cup.

The 22-year-old suffered the problem in Ireland's defeat by England and had to undergo surgery, before starting rehabilitation.

King's inclusion in the Wolfhounds starting line-up is one of three changes from the side which began the 34-7 bonus-point win over Edinburgh in December.

Fellow Irish players Linda Djougang and Stacey Flood both start after being introduced off the bench in the Wolfhounds' opening game.

The Clovers also make three alterations to their starting XV which took to the field for the 35-31 success over Gwalia Lightning, with Emily Foley being drafted in on the left wing and Siobhan McCarthy and Beth Buttimer coming into the front row.

The sides took a win apiece from the two meetings between the teams in last year's competition.

The Wolfhounds won 33-7 in the first round of fixtures, with the Clovers triumphing 31-10 in their second encounter in the following round.

Clovers: Aoife Corey; Beibhinn Parsons, Anna McGann, Niamh Murphy, Emily Foley; Caitriona Finn, Emily Lane; Siobhan McCarthy, Beth Buttimer, Sadhbh McGrath; Aoibhe Flynn, Jane Clohessy; Rosie Searle, Faith Oviawe, Jemima Adams Verling.

Replacements: Emma Dunican, Orlaith Morrissey, Ella Burns, Aoibheann McGrath, Caoimhe Murphy, Grainne Moran, Meabh Deely, Lucia Linn.

Wolfhounds: Stacey Flood; Robyn O'Connor, Aoife Dalton, Eve Higgins, Maggie Boylan; Dannah O'Brien, Aoibheann Reilly; Linda Djougang, India Daley, Sophie Barrett; Naoise Smyth, Kate Jordan; Claire Boles, Maeve Og O'Leary, Erin King.

Replacements: Maebh Cleneghan, Cara McLean, Caoimhe Molloy, Fiona Tuite, Poppy Garvey, Moya Hill, Katie Whelan, Vicky Elmes Kinlan.

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