Connacht and head coach Emer O’Dowd has named an initial extended squad of 56 players, which includes 44 players currently in training, in addition to three development players from the U18s, and Connacht’s nine players involved in Ireland’s World Cup preparations, and the Sevens programme.
The four-round series gets underway on Sunday, August 10 in Dublin as defending champions Leinster go head-to-head with Ulster at Energia Park before Munster welcome Connacht to Virgin Media Park (kick-off 4.15pm ).
O’Dowd’s squad will then enjoy back-to-back home games at Dexcom Stadium. First up is Ulster on Saturday August 16, followed by the visit of Leinster on Saturday August 23.
The finals are scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 30 at Energia Park.
Leinster will be defending their title, having prevailed by 27-7 over Munster in the 2024 final, while Connacht finished third after a solid victory over Ulster at Dexcom Stadium.
It was a huge fillip for Connacht after delivering a 33-19 win courtesy of tries by Edel McMahon, Oughterard‘s Hannah Clarke, Beibhinn Gleason, and a brace from the outstanding Faith Oviawe, with Galwegian Nicole Fowley adding four conversions.
Connacht had six players involved with Ireland, which included newcomer Ivana Kiribati from Athlone, in addition to McMahon, Ballinasloe’s Aoibheann Reilly and Béibhinn Parsons, Nicole Fowley and training panellist Méabh Deely from Ballinasloe.
