Mairead makes ireland squad for open training session in belfast

THE Irish women’s rugby squad to take part in an open training session in Belfast’s Kingspan Stadium on Saturday (October 10) includes Ballina native Mairead Hopkins.

Mairead, who now plays for Castlebar in the Connacht Women's League and also for Connacht Rugby, is one of a number of new faces as yet uncapped at international XV-a-side rugby in the squad of 33.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Ireland women’s coach Tom Tierney said: “It’s a very exciting time for women’s rugby in Ireland. We are coming in to the new season on the back of a 6 Nations win and with that comes great expectation.

“We have a number of new faces in the squad which is a testament to the popularity of women’s rugby throughout the country. We are really looking forward to the open training session in Belfast and to get a run out in front of supporters at Kingspan Stadium.”

Both Dublin and Belfast will host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017. The final stages of the tournament will take place at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

Tickets for the open training session are available now and are complimentary to all supporters. You can print tickets from ticketmaster.ie. Tickets are also available via telephone (028 9049 3222, option 2) or from the ticket office at Kingspan Stadium.