Aoife Dalton during an Ireland Women's Rugby squad training session at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile (IRFU).

Dalton to start Six Nations clash with Italy

Ronan Fagan

Published: Thu 16 Apr 2026, 2:47 PM

Clara native Aoife Dalton has been named to start in her customary centre berth as Ireland host Italy in the Women's Six Nations in the Dexcom Stadium on Saturday at 5.40pm.

The game marks the first time a Six Nations fixture will take place in Galway with over 8,000 tickets now sold for Saturday's contest.

It will be a proud moment for Ballinasloe native Beibhinn Parsons as she dons the green jersey in her home county for the first competitive time, earning her 33rd international cap this weekend.

Meanwhile, Athlone's Anna McGann has also been included in the matchday squad.

Despite her try scoring appearance off the bench during Ireland's loss to England in Twickenham, the winger must be content with a replacement role as head coach Scott Bemand looks to secure a first win in this year's tournament.

Ireland team (vs Italy)

15. Stacey Flood (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)(25)

14. Béibhinn Parsons (Blackrock College RFC/Connacht)(32)

13. Aoife Dalton (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(29)

12. Nancy McGillivray (Exeter Chiefs/IQ Rugby)(4)

11. Robyn O’Connor (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)*

10. Dannah O’Brien (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(31)

9. Emily Lane (Blackrock College RFC/Munster)(21)

1. Ellena Perry (Gloucester-Hartpury/IQ Rugby)(5)

2. Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs)(50)

3. Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(53)

4. Ruth Campbell (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(13)