Erin King Included in Strong Wolfhounds Lineup for Celtic Challenge Opener

World Rugby breakthrough player of the year Erin King has been named to a formidable Wolfhounds squad for their inaugural Celtic Challenge match on Sunday. The team is set to face the Clovers in Dublin, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT. King, who secured the World Rugby accolade in November following her two-try standout performance in Ireland’s memorable WXV1 victory against New Zealand, will start at number eight for the reigning champions. The 21-year-old player makes her return to the 15-a-side format of the game, having previously represented Ireland in the World Rugby Sevens series rounds held in Dubai and Cape Town earlier this month. Completing the backrow are Ulster’s Claire Boles, who will captain the Wolfhounds, and Molly Boyne. Additionally, Irish international players Dannah O’Brien, Eve Higgins, Aoife Dalton, and Stacey Flood are also part of the selection. However, Aoife Wafer, named Rugby Writers of Ireland player of the year, is not featured in the Wolfhounds’ roster for this fixture. The Clovers squad also features a significant amount of international experience, led by their captain Enya Breen. Edel McMahon and Amee Leigh Costigan are listed among the replacements, available from the bench. Following Sunday’s initial match at Energia Park, the two Irish teams participating in the competition are scheduled to meet again at UCD on 28 December. This year’s Celtic Challenge features an expanded structure, with participating teams set to play a total of 10 matches – five on their home ground and five away. The Wolfhounds versus Clovers match can be watched live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. Wolfhounds: Stacey Flood; Vicky Elmes Kinlan, Aoife Dalton, Eve Higgins, Amy Larn; Dannah O’Brien, Katie Whelan; Niamh O’Dowd, Maebh Clenaghan, Linda Djougang; Alma Atagamen, Poppy Garvey, Molly Boyne, Claire Boles (capt), Erin King. Replacements: Kelly Burke, Tricia Doyle, Caoimhe Molloy, Cliodhna Ni Chonchobhair, Ciara Short, Erin McConnell, Megan Burns, Katie Corrigan. Clovers: Meabh Deely, Hannah Clarke, Ellen Boylan, Enya Breen (capt), Chisom Ugwueru; Nicole Fowley, Emily Lane; Siobhan McCarthy, Beth Buttimer, Sophie Barrett; Jane Neill, Ruth Campbell; Jemima Adams Verling, Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird,. Ivana Kiripati Replacements: Saoirse Crowe, Grainne Burke, Sadhbh McGrath, Faith Oviawe, Edel McMahon, Grainne Moran, Caitriona Finn, Amee Leigh Costigan.