Ireland wing Beibhinn Parsons says she feels no extra pressure ahead of Saturday's Women's Six Nations clash against Italy in her native Galway. The match at Connacht's Dexcom Stadium will be the first Six Nations game staged in the west of Ireland, with Parsons having grown up just 40 miles away in Ballinasloe.

Parsons, who made her Ireland debut at 16 in 2018, described the occasion as liberating rather than burdensome. 'I'll feel really well supported going into Galway and I feel like all my friends and family are there so I'll just want to do them proud,' she said. The 12,500-capacity venue has hosted the player numerous times through her club side Clovers.

The match comes after Ireland's 33-12 defeat to England in their tournament opener, with Parsons emphasizing the need for greater 'dominance' in their performance. The team is focused on building belief after leaving 'a lot to be desired' in their opening game, with captain Erin King also stressing the importance of making necessary tactical adjustments.