Athlone's Ivana to make Ireland senior debut

Ivana Kiripati has been selected on the Ireland women’s team to play Scotland this Saturday, August 2.

The Athlone native has been named as openside flanker for this warm-up fixture ahead of the Women’s World Cup, with the game taking place at Virgin Media Park, Cork on Saturday, kick-off 2pm.

A daughter of Mele and Kolo Kiripati, Ivana began her rugby career at Buccaneers where her family have had a long and influential contribution.

She now plays her club rugby with Creggs and is a regular for Connacht.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for this highly promising and unassuming young lady and everyone at Buccaneers wishes her the best of luck. Carpe Diem, Ivana!" said Buccaneers RFC.

The Ireland team for the game versus Scotland also includes Ballinasloe native Béibhinn Parsons, who is an established international.