Ireland’s women begin their preparations for the IRL World Series in Canada when they face Netherlands at RC The Bassetts in Sassenheim on Saturday 4 October (kick off 2pm local time). It will be the first game in a doubleheader of senior internationals for world ranking points, with the men’s sides taking to the field at 4.30pm.
The women’s game will be the second time the nations have met, having faced each other in Dublin in June 2024 in a World Cup Qulaifier, the Irish winning 16-12 in a thriller. Banbridge Bronco Katie-Anne McCallion and Galway’s Lena Kibler will debut for the Irish, while Storm Cobain continues her run of have played every game since the inception of the women’s team. Stephanie Carroll returns having been playing away in Australia.
Ireland women’s head coach, Matt Kennerson, commented: “We’re looking forward to another opportunity to take on The Netherlands after such a close contest last time. This is a valuable chance to push ourselves, grow as a team and gain crucial experience before the World Series in Toronto in three weeks’ time. Every challenge brings us closer to where we want to be.”
Netherlands could have five debutants in Eva Aerts, Laura De Vroe, Noa De Wit, Fiona Kalf and Eline Zomer. Co-head coach, Matt Rigby, is expecting another tight clash between the nations. “Almost 16-months since our last fixture, we're delighted to be back with the first of two internationals this autumn.
“Our game in Dublin last year is still on the minds of a lot of us, and we're keen to have another crack at Ireland, they are a well drilled side and have a number of players playing at a good level, so we know the challenge ahead of us. Playing a double header marks an exciting opportunity and showcases Netherlands’ commitment to the game."
The men’s clash was also a narrow victory the previous time out, Ireland hanging on to win 30-28 last year.
Rick Baats and Thomas Frencken from Brabant Bears and Zwolle trio Stan Boersma, Sam Klumpert and Sylvan Vonken are possible debutants for Netherlands in a squad that will be challenging for places for their Euro B campaign later this month.
“We’re really looking forward to this game,” said Netherlands men’s head coach Dave Hunter. “They’ve had a good win against Wales, so it’ll be a massive challenge for us. But we’ll also get the opportunity to look at some new players who impressed during the domestic season. These next two matches are vital preparation for our Euro B matches against Malta and Serbia and we want to start this campaign in a positive way.”
Ireland will look to hand debuts to Kyle Barret, Oisin Carroll, Darie Kemp, Conor Mahon, Will Walker, Danny Lynch, Paul McCullagh and Warrington Wolves’ youngster Daniel Coop, while Liam O’Callaghan will captain the side, with Ryan Hogg his deputy.
Men’s head coach, Wayne Kerr, noted: “We have seven uncapped players, two of them from our U18 squad that performed very well in this year's Four Nations including the captain Daniel Coop who will be earning his full international cap, which is a testament to our pathways programme.
“We also have nine players from last year's squad which is massive for us to keep continuity in this playing group. Our objective is to put in a full 80-minute performance so we can come away with another win.”
Netherlands Women
Laura de Vroe (Illingworth RLFC), Arjanne van de Kieft, Eva Peroti, Fleur Michiels, Hiske Blom, Kaylee Geerlings, Sylvie Moelee, Vera van der Zwan (Rochdale Hornets), Anniek Nauta, Dana Burik, Danique Nikkels, Dunja Witmond, Eline Zomer, Eva Aerts, Fiona Kalf, Monischa Hieroms, Nicky Dix, Noa de Wit, Rixt Aerts (unattached)
Ireland Women
Katie-Anne McCallion (Banbridge Broncos), Molly Boyne, Aimee Clarke, Niamh Griffin, Emma Kelly, Lena Kibler, Orlaith McAuliffe, Caoimhe Molloy, Cliodhna O'Sullivan, Anna Potterton (Dublin City Exiles), Stacy Hanley, Aifric Ní Ghibne (Galway Tribes), Storm Cobain, Mollie Young (Leigh Leopards), Iona McCusker, Polly Roberts, Jade Walker (London Broncos), Amelia Newton (Swinton Lions), Stephaine Carroll (Sydney Mounties), Becky Webb (Widnes Vikings)
Netherlands Men
Hidde van den Berg, Joshua Pengel, Lars Mudde, Shadan Lavia (Amsterdam Cobras), Kees Kuijpers, Mavi Gevers, Rick Baats, Thomas Frencken (Brabant Bears), Tom van Bokhoven (Cromer Kingfishers), Maas van der Reek (Den Haag Knights), Arie-Tjerk Razoux Schultz, Ruben Stuifzand (Harderwijk Dolphins), Tom Turnock (Rotterdam Pitbulls), Mauricio Gomez-Pazos, Mike Prins, Paul Kuijpers, Sam Klumpert, Stan Boersma, Sylvan Vonken (Zwolle Wolves)
Ireland Men
Jamie Gill (Bradford Bulls), Conlon Mawson (Dearne Valley Bulldogs), Stepehen Cahill, Ryan Hogg (Dublin City Exiles), Kyle Barret (Galway Tribesmen), Lewis Wing (Hull HR), Oliver Whitford (Keighley Cougars), Oisin Carroll, Darie Kemp, Conor Mahon (Longhorns RL), Will Walker (Sherwood Wolfhunt), Tom Ashurst, Aaron Lynch, Danny Lynch (Swinton Lions), Daniel Coop (Warrington Wolves), Paul McCullagh, Liam O’Callaghan (Wests Warriors), James Farrar (York Knights)