Mayo rugby star set to make Irish senior debut against Scotland

THERE is huge excitement in Ballina this morning after local rugby star Ailish Quinn was named in the matchday squad for Ireland’s first Rugby World Cup warm up game against Scotland in Cork on Saturday. Quinn has been training with the extended squad over the past few weeks and a statement from Ballina RFC said everyone in her home club are excited to see the dynamic forward primed to make her senior Irish debut from the bench in Virgin Media Park.
Irish Head Coach Scott Bemand says there's great energy in the group with everyone pushing for a place in the squad for the upcoming World Cup in England.
“This is the first real opportunity for players to put their hands up for World Cup selection, and that’s brought great intensity to our work in camp. We’ve seen real growth in this group since we assembled at the start of June, and now it’s about transferring that onto the pitch. There’s a lot of competition for places, which is exactly what we want heading into a major tournament. Scotland are a quality side, and our recent encounters have all been tight, physical battles — that’s the kind of test we need as we build towards the Rugby World Cup.”
News of Ailish's selection has been greeted with great pride and excitement in Ballina. Deirdre Whyte, the driving force behind female rugby in the club, said Ailish's progress is a huge boost for Ballina RFC and the entire community.
“We're so proud of Ailish. She has worked so hard and is so dedicated to the game. Being selected for Saturday's match-day squad is a huge honour and a proud moment for herself, her family, all who coached her through the years and everyone associated with Ballina Rugby Club. We send our very best wishes to Ailish and all the squad and management as they continue this very exciting phase.”
The match in Virgin Media Park kicks off at 2pm and can be streamed on IrishRugby+.