Number of changes to Connacht women's squad for Leinster challenge

Connacht Rugby Women’s head coach Craig Hansberry has named his matchday squad for the Vodafone Interprovincial Championship meeting with Leinster this weekend.

A number of changes have been made from the side that defeated Ulster in last week's opener in Belfast.

In the backs, there are starts for wingers Emily Foley and Alanna Fitzpatrick, with Anna McGann shifting to outside centre and Lyndsay Clarke moving from outside to inside centre.

The half-back combo of Aoibheann Reilly and Meabh Deely is unchanged, while Clara Barrett continues at full-back.

In the forwards, there's a start for Stacy Hanley after her cameo off the bench last week, while Poppy Garvey comes into the second row to partner Faith Oviawe.

The pack is completed by props Ella Burns and Lily Morris, and an unchanged back row of flankers Emma Kelly and Ailish Quinn either side of number eight Jemima Adams Verling.

Victory for Connacht would secure a place in the final with a game to spare, and the tie will be streamed live on the TG4 YouTube channel.

Looking forward to the game, Hansberry said: “We were happy to get the win last week but there's also plenty of scope for us to improve. Leinster away is another massive challenge and we'll have to be at our best for all 80 minutes, which I know we can be.

“Our goal has always been to reach the final, and knowing we can seal that spot with a win tomorrow is a massive incentive for us.”

Leinster Women v Connacht Women takes place at Energia Park, Donnybrook, Dublin, at 4.30 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday).

The Connacht XV in full is as follows: Clara Barrett, Alanna Fitzpatrick, Anna McGann, Lyndsay Clarke, Emily Foley, Meabh Deely, Aoibheann Reilly; Ella Burns, Stacy Hanley, Lily Morris, Faith Oviawe, Poppy Garvey, Emma Kelly, Ailish Quinn, Jemima Adams Verling.

On the replacements' bench are: Jess Keating, Éabha O'Mahoney, Hannah Rapley, Emma Fabby, Olivia Tallon, Gráinne Moran, Siofra Hession, Clare Gorman.