Béibhinn Parsons is pictured during the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between England and Ireland at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham last Saturday. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile. (IRFU)

Parsons to start Six Nations clash with Italy

Ronan Fagan

Published: Thu 16 Apr 2026, 2:37 PM

Athlone's Anna McGann has been included in the matchday squad as Ireland host Italy in the Women's Six Nations in the Dexcom Stadium on Saturday at 5.40pm.

Despite her try scoring appearance off the bench during Ireland's loss to England in Twickenham, the winger must be content with a replacement role as head coach Scott Bemand looks to secure a first win in this year's tournament.

The game marks the first time a Six Nations fixture will take place in Galway with over 8,000 tickets now sold for Saturday's contest.

It will be a proud moment for Ballinasloe native Beibhinn Parsons as she dons the green jersey in her home county for the first competitive time, earning her 33rd international cap this weekend.

Former Moate Community School student and Clara native Aoife Dalton has also been named to start in her customary centre berth.

Ireland team (vs Italy)

15. Stacey Flood (Railway Union RFC/Leinster)(25)

14. Béibhinn Parsons (Blackrock College RFC/Connacht)(32)

13. Aoife Dalton (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(29)

12. Nancy McGillivray (Exeter Chiefs/IQ Rugby)(4)

11. Robyn O’Connor (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)*

10. Dannah O’Brien (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(31)

9. Emily Lane (Blackrock College RFC/Munster)(21)

1. Ellena Perry (Gloucester-Hartpury/IQ Rugby)(5)

2. Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs)(50)

3. Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster)(53)