Jemima Adams Verling to make Ireland debut in WXV opener against United States

Debut for Adams Verling

Connacht back row Jemima Adams Verling will make her senior international debut for Ireland when they host the United States on Sunday at Tallaght Stadium. The 20-year-old forward from Creggs RFC starts at blindside flanker following appearances for the Clovers in the Celtic Challenge and scoring performances in the Under-21 Women's Six Nations earlier this year. Head coach Scott Bemand has selected her in the starting back row alongside captain Erin King at openside flanker and Aoife Wafer at number eight. Adams Verling learned of her selection when her hotel room erupted after team graphics were distributed to the squad. Her inclusion marks one of four starting changes from the team that concluded the Six Nations with a victory against Scotland in May.

“We have a little infographic that goes out to the group, and my understanding is she was walking down the hotel corridor when she heard her room erupt.”

Squad adjustments and frontline continuity

The forward pack features changes driven by injuries and squad rotation across several key positions. Niamh O'Dowd steps into the front row at loosehead prop following the retirement of Ellena Perry, linking up with hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald and tighthead Linda Djougang. In the second row, Dorothy Wall takes over from the injured Sam Monaghan to partner Fiona Tuite-O'Sullivan. Out wide, Vicky Elmes Kinlan enters the starting XV on the wing with Beibhinn Parsons absent as she continues rehabilitation from an injury sustained prior to the interprovincial championship. The half-back partnership remains unchanged from the Six Nations, with Dannah O'Brien and Emily Lane directing play inside the midfield combination of Eve Higgins and Aoife Dalton. On the bench, forward Jane Clohessy stands in line for her second cap, while scrum-half Aoibheann Reilly returns for her first Test appearance since the World Cup.

Tactical approach and expectations

Ireland enter the five-match series as the higher-ranked side in each of their three home fixtures. Former Ireland coach Jack Hanratty now leads the United States, who are expected to present a physical challenge in the opener. Bemand has urged his squad to accept the role of favourites rather than shy away from tournament pressure as they build depth for future international campaigns. He pointed to competitive displays against France during the Six Nations as proof that Ireland are closing the gap on the sport's leading sides. The coaching staff aims to refine an attacking structure based on kicking, aggressive counter-attacks, and structured phase play.

“We've got to do it from the front and we've got to become reasonably un-Irish and do it as the favourites.”

Five-match autumn schedule

Sunday's clash represents the first women's rugby Test match held at Dublin's Tallaght Stadium, the regular venue for football club Shamrock Rovers. The fixture begins a five-match block that includes four fixtures within the revamped WXV Global Series. Following the United States match, Ireland will travel to Galway on 27 September to face Japan in a WXV encounter, followed by a second meeting against the Japanese side in Cork on 3 October. The squad will then conclude their campaign in South Africa with consecutive Test matches against the hosts at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on 24 October and 31 October.