THERE is huge excitement in Ballina this morning after our own Ailish Quinn was named in the matchday squad for Ireland’s first Rugby World Cup warm up game against Scotland in Cork on Saturday. Ailish has been training with the extended squad over the past few weeks and we're excited to see her primed to make her senior Irish debut from the bench in Virgin Media Park.
Head Coach Scott Bemand says there's great energy in the group with everyone pushing for a place in the World Cup squad.
“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 the club and the 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+.