Ballybofey’s Laura Feely has been named in the Ireland squad for the 2018 Women’s Six Nations.
New coach Adam Griggs has included nine new players, including Feely, who plays for Connacht.
She is the only Donegal native in the squad named by Griggs.
The Ireland squad will kick off the 2018 Championship against France at Toulouse’s Stade Ernest Wallon on Saturday, February 3, before playing three home matches at Donnybrook – Italy (February 11), Wales (February 25) and Scotland (March 11).
They will finish their Six Nations campaign away to defending champions England on Friday, March 16 in what will be a double header at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, with the Ireland Under-20s meeting their English counterparts after the Women’s game.
Feely played in a Six Nations warm-up against Wales last January at Donnybrook and was named on the training panel ahead of the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The daughter of Frank and Christine Feely, Laura is also a former athlete with Finn Valley AC.
“There is good experience in the squad, with most of the players selected competing at this level for a number of seasons,” Griggs said.
“In addition to those experienced players, there are also nine uncapped players named, and they’ve all earned their inclusion by performing well in the Interpro games and for the Irish Sevens.
“I’ve no doubt there will be good competition for places throughout the campaign. I’m excited to be working with these players and I’m looking forward to getting the campaign underway in what is set to be a tough opening game in the south of France.”