Cliodhna Moloney has been recalled to the Ireland squad for the first time in almost three years ahead of Round 3 of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
It is the first time she has been called up since 2021, when she was outspoken in her criticism of then-director of women’s rugby Anthony Eddy after an interview in which he dismissed concerns about a lack of investment in the women’s game and appeared to blame players for Ireland’s poor performance in the World Cup qualifiers.
Moloney referred to Eddy’s comments as “slurry spreading” on social media and was also among players who signed a letter stating they had “lost all trust and confidence in the IRFU and its leadership.”
I could have sworn slurry spreading season was spring… I stand corrected 👀 https://t.co/fgG8ef3CbR
— Cliodhna Moloney (@cmoloney3) November 9, 2021
Despite an ongoing successful career in the Premier 15s, after her comments Moloney was continually overlooked for international squads. She hasn’t featured for Ireland since 2021.
In a recent interview with the BBC Moloney admitted “a lot of disappointment” around the exclusion but insisted that she had known the risks of speaking out.
“I was acutely aware of what the risks were, I’m a big girl and not going to cry about it.”
However, it was announced on Friday that Moloney will join the squad for training next week. Ireland faces Wales on April 13 at Musgrave Park.
👀look who's back!
Exeter Chiefs hooker, Cliodhna Moloney is BACK in the Ireland squad and could feature against Wales next weekend!
Moloney hasn't featured for Ireland since 2021 after she was critical of former IRFU women's director Anthony Eddy.
Huge. pic.twitter.com/rWwbC5R4yt
— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) April 5, 2024