Overview
- On Friday Ireland announced a 30‑player touring squad led by captain Erin King that mixes experienced players with recent debutants and includes second‑row Ruth Campbell after her ankle recovery.
- Aoife Wafer will not travel after a minor training injury and Harlequins confirmed she has had surgery, while former co‑captain Sam Monaghan remains sidelined with a season‑ending Achilles injury.
- The squad will reconvene at the IRFU High Performance Centre before departing for Cape Town to play South Africa at Athlone Stadium on 24 October and 31 October with both matches broadcast live.
- Selection follows mixed recent form for Ireland, who lost 40‑36 to the USA then recorded wins over Japan (31‑24 in Galway and 43‑19 in Cork) as coach Scott Bemand looks to test depth.
- The tour creates immediate chances for new caps to gain international minutes and gives selectors fresh evidence ahead of future cycles while missing two established players will force adjustments to Ireland’s forward options.