WOMEN'S SIX NATIONS IRELAND v FRANCE:IRELAND begin their campaign with an attractive fixture against France at Ashbourne, Co Meath (kick-off 7.30pm). The original venue, St Mary's College, Templeville Road, was deemed unplayable following the heavy snow that fell in the capital yesterday.

UL Bohemians and Blackrock both provide six players to new coach Steven Hennessy’s starting XV, and he is relishing the prospect of taking on a strong French side.

Former St Mary’s College man Hennessy, who replaces John O’Sullivan, said: “I’m looking forward to the French game and, with them first, it’s a chance for us to set out our stall for the rest of the campaign.”

Ireland finished fourth in last year’s campaign and will be aiming to snatch at least fourth again because of a new ranking system which determines the places for next year’s World Cup in London. Anything less means a trip to Sweden in the summer to make use of the back-door system provided by the European Trophy.

Hennessy added: “Every game will be tough with so much at stake, but a win against the likes of France or England would give us a massive boost.”

UL’s Joy Neville takes over as captain, while Connacht’s Clare Molloy is the only uncapped player in the squad.

The French arrive with a squad which includes the vastly experienced trio of Stephanie Provost, Laetitia Salles and Christelle Le Duff.

IRELAND: J O’Sullivan; J Feighery, L Cantwell, H Brosnan, A Davis; N Briggs, T Rosser; F Coghlan, Y Nolan, G Burke, C Mahon, O Brennan, L Austin, S Ryan, J Neville (capt). Replacements: J Limbert, E McManamly, K O’Loughlin, C Molloy, L Beamish, S Houston, G Davitt.

FRANCE: C Flaugere; C Mansard, S Loyer, S Rabier (capt), C Bouisset; A Vaupre, M Hebel; C Canal, S Provost, A Bailon, C Langenfeld, C Le Duff, E Poublan, L Esteve, C Ladagnous. Replacements: L Salles, C Barthelmey, N Labbey, M Gauffinet, J Troncy, A Sobolak, M Yahe.