\n<\/p>\n
Monaghan’s second row partner on Saturday, Eimear Corri-Fallon, has also struggled with injuries over the past year.<\/p>\n
“Me and Eimear have played together before in Dubai [at the WXV tournament in 2023] and Six Nations so we have that second row connection,” Monaghan said.<\/p>\n
“Unfortunately, both of us had a bit of a rough year so we’re kind of on the same journey at the minute. It’s nice to come back out on the pitch together.”<\/p>\n
Monaghan and Corri-Fallon are not the only returning players to Ireland’s panel for what is the first of two warm-up fixtures before the World Cup which begins in England later this month.<\/p>\n
Wing Beibhinn Parsons, who broke her leg in December, will also start at Musgrave Park as Scott Bemand’s side build towards the tournament where they will be in a pool alongside Japan, Spain and New Zealand. <\/p>\n
Ireland, however, have already been dealt a series of injury blows with key forwards Dorothy Wall and Erin King ruled out of the World Cup, while 2025 Six Nations Player of the Championship Aoife Wafer is a doubt<\/a>. <\/p>\n “Injuries are always so tough. We’ve such a strong connection as a group so when we lose someone we really feel it,” Monaghan said.<\/p>\n “On and off the pitch they are such big characters, but they are both working extremely hard and I know how tough a journey it can be.<\/p>\n “That’s high-level sport. It’s given the opportunity for someone else to come in and we’ve had other girls come in and put their hand up and really perform.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n