Fryday targeting more Irish success

By Mark Stevens
20/3/23

Ireland captain Nichola Fryday says her side have been "inspired" by Andy Farrell's Grand Slam-chasing squad as they prepare for the start of the Women's Six Nations this weekend.

Buoyed by the success of the men's side, who overcame England on Saturday in Dublin, Fryday and her team-mates have set their sights on a similar goal.

The Exeter Chiefs forward will lead her side into battle against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday (2:15pm) looking to achieve a feat the Irish last achieved back in 2013.

"They are inspiring a nation and we have always said that we want to bring that to the women's game," said Fryday. "Them doing well is only a good thing and we want to be able to continue it on the week after their Six Nations ends. We are really excited to support them this weekend."

Fryday - who has been joined in the Irish training squad by club-mate Clara Nielson - explained how training in close quarters with the men's team has helped the two sides form a strong bond, with both supporting each other in equal measures ahead of big tournaments such as the Six Nations.

"There is a nice crossover, we were all training together the other day as the facilities are superb so it can host us all at the same time," added Fryday. "You go to the coffee machine and you're just meeting Johnny Sexton for a coffee, everyone gets along well.

"The girls were in camp last week and had a good chat with the boys. They have been nothing but supportive and positive towards us."

Ireland finished last year's Six Nations in fourth place after two wins and three defeats, and while expectations for them to win a first championship in eight years are low, Fryday hopes the recent changes off the field in the last year can help Ireland to improve on 2022.

"We are in a good spot at the moment, we had the rollout of the contracts which was hugely positive, our first tour of Japan and the introduction of the Celtic Challenge," said the 27-year-old. "I think these are all things which are adding to the women's game in Ireland. The Celtic Challenge allowed for game time for new girls who are coming up through the development route and I think it is progressing really well."