With anticipation mounting for a thrilling encounter, Connacht is gearing up to face Ulster in the upcoming Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship Round 2. Both teams have their sights set on a victory following their recent performances, setting the stage for an exciting showdown at Dexcom Stadium.
VODAFONE WOMEN’S INTERPROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 2:
Saturday, August 16 –
CONNACHT (4th) v ULSTER (3rd), Dexcom Stadium, 4.15pm (live on Spórt TG4 YouTube Channel)
Secure Your Ticket(s) Here
Recent Interprovincial Form: Connacht: LDLWL; Ulster: LDLLL
2025/26 Interprovincial Championship Top Scorers: Connacht – Points: Ava Ryder 5; Tries: Ava Ryder 5; Ulster – Points: Siobhán Sheerin 11; Tries: Siobhán Sheerin, India Daley, Sophie Barrett 1 each
Past Meetings: 2023: Ulster 19 Connacht 25, Kingspan Stadium; Connacht 29 Ulster 24, the Sportsground; 3rd-4th Place Play-Off: Connacht 14 Ulster 36, Musgrave Park; 2024: Ulster 25 Connacht 25, Kingspan Stadium; 3rd-4th Place Play-Off: Ulster 19 Connacht 33, Kingspan Stadium
Key Players to Watch: Connacht: Kayla Waldron – Returning from a challenging injury, Waldron’s comeback brings a new dynamic to Connacht’s lineup, showcasing her resilience and versatility at out-half.
Ulster: Lauren Darley – Making a significant impact in her debut, Darley’s performance signals her potential to be a game-changer for Ulster, demonstrating her prowess in the second row.
Pre-Match Insights – Clara Barrett (Connacht): “We’ve learned valuable lessons from our previous match and are determined to showcase our true capabilities against Ulster. The Interpros are a short series, so every game counts, and we’re focused on making the most of this opportunity.
“Ulster poses a physical challenge, and we are prepared to meet it head-on. We aim to elevate our performance and deliver a strong showing, especially in front of our home supporters at Dexcom Stadium.
“Personally, I look forward to playing at Dexcom after missing out last year due to injury. It’s a special occasion for us to shine on our home turf, and we are eager to make our mark.”
Siobhán Sheerin (Ulster): “We are focused on rectifying our mistakes from the previous game and honing our performance against Connacht. Attention to detail and executing our game plan effectively will be crucial in securing a positive result.
“Scoring in my debut was a proud moment, and it provided a boost to the team’s morale. We are aiming to carry that momentum into this match and set the tone for a successful campaign in the Interpros.”
Team Updates: Connacht’s Éabha Nic Dhonnacha leads the team as captain, supported by vice-captains Jemima Adams Verling and Poppy Garvey.
Ulster sees the return of skipper India Daley in the back row, accompanied by changes in the forward pack, emphasizing their depth and adaptability for the upcoming clash.
Both teams are set to deliver a competitive and enthralling match, with the outcome poised to shape their journey in the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship.
CONNACHT: Clara Barrett (UL Bohemian RFC); Emily Foley (Galwegians RFC), Orla Dixon (Galwegians RFC), Éabha Nic Dhonnacha (UL Bohemian RFC) (capt), Ava Ryder (Blackrock College RFC); Siofra Hession (Creggs RFC), Gráinne Moran (Galwegians RFC); Ella Burns (Tuam/Oughterard RFC/Galwegians RFC), Lily Brady (Westport RFC/UL Bohemian RFC), Roisin Maher (Galwegians RFC), Poppy Garvey (Railway Union RFC), Grace Browne Moran (Galwegians RFC), Beibhinn Gleeson (Tuam/Oughterard RFC), Lesley Ring (Old Belvedere RFC), Jemima Adams Verling (Creggs RFC).
Replacements: Stacy Hanley (Galwegians RFC), Hannah Coen (Creggs RFC), Hope Lowney (MU Barnhall RFC), Ailish Quinn (Galwegians RFC), Caoilfhionn Conway Morrissey (Ennis RFC), Karly Tierney (Tuam/Oughterard RFC), Sinead O’Brien (Galwegians RFC), Fódhla Ní Bhraonáin (Tuam/Oughterard RFC).
ULSTER: Kate Farrell McCabe (Suttonians RFC); Lucy Thompson (Enniskillen RFC/Cooke RFC), Siobhán Sheerin (Clogher Valley RFC), Tara O’Neill (Cooke RFC), Niamh Marley (Cooke RFC); Lauren Farrell McCabe (Suttonians RFC), Georgia Boyce (Cooke RFC); Sarah Roberts (Queen’s University Belfast RFC), Maebh Clenaghan (Queen’s University Belfast RFC), Ava Fannin (Blackrock College RFC), Lauren Darley (Queen’s University Belfast RFC), Brenda Barr (Suttonians RFC), Moya Hill (Enniskillen RFC), Ruby Starrett (Queen’s University Belfast RFC), India Daley (Enniskillen RFC/Blackrock College RFC) (capt).
Replacements: Cara McLean (Larne RFC), Megan Simpson (Cooke RFC), Sophie Barrett (Enniskillen RFC), Rebecca Beacom (Enniskillen RFC), Katie Hetherington (Clogher Valley RFC), Sophie Meeke (Enniskillen RFC), Kelly McCormill (Cooke RFC), Stacey Sloan (Cooke RFC).
Referee: John Purcell (IRFU)
