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King named in strong Wolfhounds team for Clovers opener

BBC
·2 min read

World Rugby breakthrough player of the year Erin King has been named in a strong Wolfhounds team for Sunday's Celtic Challenge opener against the Clovers in Dublin (16:00 GMT).

King, who won the World Rugby award in November after her two-try star turn in Ireland's memorable WXV1 win over New Zealand, is named at number eight for the holders.

The 21-year-old returns to the 15s game after playing for Ireland in the World Rugby Sevens rounds in Dubai and Cape Town earlier this month.

Ulster's Claire Boles, who captains the Wolfhounds, and Molly Boyne complete the backrow, while Irish internationals Dannah O'Brien, Eve Higgins, Aoife Dalton and Stacey Flood are also included.

Rugby Writers of Ireland player of the year Aoife Wafer, however, is not included in the Wolfhounds squad.

The Clovers also boast a healthy contingent of international experience, spearheaded by captain Enya Breen, with Edel McMahon and Amee Leigh Costigan available from the bench.

After Sunday's opener at Energia Park, the competition's two Irish sides will meet again at UCD on 28 December.

The expanded format of this year's competition will see teams play 10 fixtures - five at home and five away.

Watch Wolfhounds v Clovers live on BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport website

Wolfhounds: Stacey Flood; Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Aoife Dalton, Eve Higgins, Amy Larn; Dannah O'Brien, Katie Whelan; Niamh O'Dowd, Maebh Clenaghan, Linda Djougang; Alma Atagamen, Poppy Garvey, Molly Boyne, Claire Boles (capt), Erin King.

Replacements: Kelly Burke, Tricia Doyle, Caoimhe Molloy, Cliodhna Ni Chonchobhair, Ciara Short, Erin McConnell, Megan Burns, Katie Corrigan.

Clovers: Meabh Deely, Hannah Clarke, Ellen Boylan, Enya Breen (capt), Chisom Ugwueru; Nicole Fowley, Emily Lane; Siobhan McCarthy, Beth Buttimer, Sophie Barrett; Jane Neill, Ruth Campbell; Jemima Adams Verling, Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird,. Ivana Kiripati

Replacements: Saoirse Crowe, Grainne Burke, Sadhbh McGrath, Faith Oviawe, Edel McMahon, Grainne Moran, Caitriona Finn, Amee Leigh Costigan.