Nichola Fryday has been named as the Ireland captain for this season's Six Nations.
The 26-year-old will lead the team this Saturday, as they begin their campaign against Wales at the RDS.
Fryday - who plays with Exeter Chiefs - has made 22 appearances for her country since making her debut in 2016.
📋 𝐅𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧
Greg McWilliams has announced the appointment of @nicholafryday as Ireland captain for the 2022 #TikTokWomensSixNations! 🟢#NothingLikeIt | #IrishRugby— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 21, 2022
“It is the greatest honour in anyone’s sporting career to play for your country, so for me to be given the opportunity to captain Ireland is an incredible honour and I’m grateful for the chance to lead this team,” the Offaly native said.
“It is a special moment for me and my family, who have been my supporting rock throughout my career.
"It is a privilege to lead this group of players as we embark on a new journey with Greg and the coaching team, and we are all incredibly excited to get to work this Saturday against Wales."
The appointment of Fryday as captain is something head coach Greg McWilliams says was an easy choice.
"Nichola epitomises everything about our environment - she is a brilliant person, a vocal voice within the group and a player who gives her all for the green jersey.
"She was a standout candidate for the captaincy and I was delighted to appoint her to the role.
"It was a special occasion on Sunday as we delivered the news to Nichola and the group, and to have her parents and family join the meeting via Zoom made it extra special."We are working hard every day to become better as a team and individuals and I'm confident we are moving in the right direction ahead of the Championship."