Erin King returns to Ireland after a year out, wearing the captain’s armband for the Six Nations opener against England. The 22‑year‑old missed the 2025 World Cup when a knee injury forced her off in the previous Six Nations defeat to Red Roses. The game kicks off at 15:00 GMT, giving her a chance to prove fitness and lead with Brittany Hogan and Aoife Wafer.

Ireland’s back‑line features seasoned pair Eve Higgins and Aoife Dalton at centre, while Vicky Elmes Kinlan starts on the left wing and Beibhinn Parsons and Stacey Flood complete the back three, adding much‑needed grit. Hooker Cliodhna Moloney‑MacDonald reaches her 50th test, sharing the front row with former England prop Ellena Perry, who switched allegiance ahead of the World Cup.

Coach Scott Bemand has also named two uncapped bench options – prop Eilís Cahill and scrum‑half Katie Whelan – signalling depth ahead of England’s bid for an eighth consecutive title. With Erin King back at the helm, Ireland hope the refreshed pack can overturn last year’s loss and stake an early claim in the 2026 championship as they aim to disrupt England’s dominance.