McMahon returns as Ireland make five changes for Wales clash

Ireland captain Edel McMahon returns to the starting lineup as head coach Scott Bemand makes five changes to the team ahead of their Women's Six Nations clash against Wales on Sunday.

McMahon, who missed the previous round due to injury, steps back into the back row in place of Erin King, who has been ruled out of the tournament and the upcoming World Cup with a serious knee injury.

McMahon's return provides both leadership and experience at a crucial time for Ireland, who currently sit third in the table with one win from three matches.

Her absence against England was keenly felt in last weekend’s heavy defeat, and her reintroduction aims to restore some stability to the Irish pack.

There’s also a major milestone for Siobhan McCarthy, who earns her first international start at loose-head prop, replacing Niamh O’Dowd. In the second row, Ruth Campbell steps in as Fiona Tuite shifts to the bench, signaling another reshuffle in the forward line.

The backline sees Enya Breen return after missing the England fixture, linking up in midfield with Aoife Dalton. Breen’s inclusion is expected to bring added composure and creativity to Ireland’s attacking play.

Meanwhile, Molly Scuffil-McCabe makes her first appearance of this year’s tournament at scrum-half, preferred over Emily Lane who moves out of the matchday squad.

The bench also sees the return of Ulster duo Sadhbh McGrath and Claire Boles, both looking to make an impact off the pine.

Wales, still searching for their first win after consecutive losses to Scotland, England, and France, have also made changes—most notably recalling experienced back row Alex Callender following her recovery from a foot injury.

Ireland: Stacey Flood; Anna McGann, Aoife Dalton, Enya Breen, Amee-Leigh; Dannah O'Brien, Molly Scuffil-McCabe; Siobhán McCarthy, Neve Jones, Linda Djougang, Ruth Campbell, Dorothy Wall, Brittany Hogan, Edel McMahon (capt), Aoife Wafer.

Replacements: Cliodhna Moloney, Sadhbh McGrath, Christy Haney, Fiona Tuite, Claire Boles, Emily Lane, Eve Higgins, Vicky Elmes Kinlan.