King returns to captain Ireland in Six Nations

Erin King missed the Rugby World Cup with a knee injury Erin King will make her first international appearance in a year as she captains Ireland in Saturday's Six Nations opener in England. King missed the World Cup last year after she sustained a knee injury in the defeat by the Red Roses in the 2025 Six Nations. The 22-year-old has been named Ireland's captain for the 2026 edition and will start at flanker against an England side who are looking to win an eighth Six Nations in a row.

She is joined in the back row by Brittany Hogan and Aoife Wafer, who was the Six Nations player of the championship in 2025 but had an injury-hit year. Head coach Scott Bemand has named two potential debutants on the bench in the form of prop Eilís Cahill and scrum-half Katie Whelan. Former England prop Ellena Perry will make her first Six Nations appearance for Ireland after switching allegiances ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Hooker Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald will make her 50th Test appearance for Ireland alongside Perry and Linda Djougang, while Dorothy Wall and Fiona Tuite will line out in the second row.