Clara's Aoife Dalton starts her third consecutive World Cup match for Ireland in the team's Pool C clash with New Zealand on Sunday. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile.

Clara's Dalton named to start in Ireland's crucial World Cup clash

Ronan Fagan

Published: Fri 5 Sep 2025, 12:04 PM

Clara native Aoife Dalton has been named in her familiar centre berth for Ireland's crucial Pool C World Cup game against New Zealand on Sunday afternoon in the Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium (kick-off, 2.45pm).

The former Moate Community School student featured in Ireland's opening two Pool C wins over Japan and Spain.

There is further Midlands representation on the team with Ballinasloe duo Aoibheann Reilly and Béibhinn Parsons returning to the starting line-up, Reilly playing in her customary scrum-half berth, while Parsons has been chosen on the right wing.

Meanwhile, Athlone's Anna McGann, who scored two tries in the team's win over Spain on Sunday last, will start the game as a replacement despite her scoring impact last week.

With two victories to date, Ireland have advanced to the quarter-final of the competition, Sunday's game determining who tops Pool C.

France or South Africa will provide the potential opposition for Ireland in their quarter-final fixture.