Clara's Dalton named in Irish rugby Six Nations squad

Clara's Aoife Dalton has been named in the Ireland squad for the 2026 Guinness Women's Six Nations.

Head coach Scott Bemand confirmed his 36 player squad today (Wednesday) in advance of the Six Nations which starts next month.

The former Tullamore RFC player is joined in the squad by Ballinasloe's Beibhinn Parsons and Aoibheann Reilly from nearby Creagh, Athlone's Anna McGann and uncapped Roscommon player, Jemima Adams Verling, who plays with Creggs FC.

Dalton, who is only 22, won her 25th cap for Ireland when she made her Women's Rugby World Cup debut in their opening game against Japan at Frankin Garden's in Northampton last August, where they claimed an emphatic 42-14 win.

Dalton was named Rugby Players Ireland Women's Players’ Player of the Year for 2025 after a brilliant Six Nations tournament where she started all five games.

Ireland will open their championship campaign against England in Twickenham on Saturday, April 11 (kick-off 2.25pm), before hosting Italy at Dexcom Stadium on Saturday, April 18 (kick-off 5.40pm), in what will be the first Guinness Women’s Six Nations match in Galway.

Bemand’s charges then travel to France in Round 3 on Saturday, April 25 (kick-off 8.10pm), before concluding their tournament with back-to-back home games in Belfast and Dublin.

Wales are the visitors to Affidea Stadium on Saturday, May 9 (kick-off 6.30pm), before Scotland come to the Aviva Stadium on the final weekend on Sunday, May 17 (kick-off 2.30pm).