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Ireland's Rugby World Cup warm-up campaign is set to receive a significant boost as captain Sam Monaghan and star winger Beibhinn Parsons return to the squad for the match against Scotland. The game, scheduled for Saturday, 2 August at Musgrave Park, Cork, marks a crucial step in Ireland's preparations for the upcoming tournament in England.

Key Returns and Squad Updates

Monaghan, a pivotal figure in Ireland's forward line, has been sidelined since June 2024 due to a severe knee injury sustained while playing for her club, Gloucester-Hartpury. Despite setbacks with calf and hamstring issues, she is set to start in the second row for Scott Bemand's side. Her return is complemented by the inclusion of Beibhinn Parsons, who missed the Six Nations after breaking her leg in December.

In addition to Monaghan and Parsons, Eimear Corri-Fallon also makes a comeback after a 12-month absence, further strengthening Ireland's second row. The squad also features three uncapped players: back row Ivana Kiripati, centre Nancy McGillivray, and Ailish Quinn, who could earn her first cap if called upon as a replacement.

Forward Depth and Absences

Ireland's bench boasts a six-two split, with experienced forwards like Neve Jones, Niamh O'Dowd, and Linda Djougang providing depth. However, the team will miss influential forwards Erin King and Dorothy Wall, both ruled out of the World Cup, and star back row Aoife Wafer, who remains hopeful of recovering in time for the tournament.

Upcoming Fixtures and Tournament Outlook

This match against Scotland is the first of two warm-up fixtures for Ireland, with a second game against Canada scheduled for 9 August in Belfast. At the Rugby World Cup, held from 22 August to 27 September, Ireland will face Spain, Japan, and New Zealand in the pool stages.

Ireland Squad

Starting XV: Meabh Deely; Beibhinn Parsons, Nancy McGillivray, Eve Higgins, Amee-Leigh Costigan; Dannah O'Brien, Molly Scuffil-McCabe; Siobhan McCarthy, Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Sadhbh McGrath, Eimear Corri-Fallon, Sam Monaghan (captain), Grace Moore, Ivana Kiripati, Brittany Hogan.

Replacements: Neve Jones, Niamh O'Dowd, Linda Djougang, Fiona Tuite, Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird, Ailish Quinn, Emily Lane, Enya Breen.

Coverage

Fans can catch the action live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC website, with live text commentary available on both platforms.

Related Topics: Irish Rugby, Northern Ireland Sport, Rugby Union