Women’s Six Nations: Nine players have never played for Ireland but Ami-Lee Costigan is out

Ireland coach Scott Beamand has named nine uncapped players in the Women’s Six Nations squad, but key winger Amy-Lee Costigan is out.

Costigan, who captained Ireland in last year’s Six Nations defeats to France and England and scored two tries in last year’s World Cup, recently announced she is pregnant with twins.

The 36-man squad will be led by Erin King, who was appointed captain in January after missing the World Cup with a knee injury.

Bemand’s uncapped squad includes Leinster back-three Robyn O’Connor, who starred for Ireland Under-20s in the Women’s Six Nations Summer Series last year and scored four tries for the Wolfhounds in the Celtic Challenge this season.

O’Connor, 20, is one of four uncapped players alongside Alana McInerney, Caitriona Finn and Niamh Gallagher, with strikers Beth Buttimer, Jemima Adams-Ferling, Ellis Cahill, Aoibhin McGrath and Sophie Barrett also hoping to make her first-team debut.

“It’s great news about Mum Lee,” Beamand, who signed a contract extension on Wednesday, told BBC Sport NI.

“A world where female athletes can have a family and a child and be supported in that, I think the IRFU does a really good job of supporting it.

“She is still in the central program and training at the appropriate level, which is great news.”

Beamand added that Ireland have a “strong core” from last year’s World Cup, along with some rising stars who have come through Ireland’s way.

“We had a positive three-day camp in January to lay the foundations for what is to come, and the group – both players and staff – are excited to be back together now to sharpen the focus on the challenges ahead.”