Women’s Six Nations: Peat fit for Ireland’s trip to Parma, says Carter

Daire Walsh

Ireland women’s assistant coach Jeff Carter has confirmed loosehead prop Lindsay Peat will be available for their latest Six Nations assignment against Italy on Saturday.

After missing out on the opening two rounds through injury, the former Dublin ladies footballer has regained fitness in time for the trip to Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma (kick-off 6.30pm).

Additionally, there is a slight issue over the availability of Claire Molloy — though Carter expects the Galway flanker to shake off a quad complaint.

“Lindsay is available for selection, so she’s delighted to be back. It’s been a difficult three or four weeks for her because all Lindsay wants to do is play. We’re gradually trying to introduce her back into it, so we’re hoping to have her available on Friday night,” Carter remarked at the Sandymount Hotel.

“We have a slight concern about Claire Molloy maybe, but she should be fine. She pulled her quad a little bit against Scotland but she should be OK. She’s as tough as nails.”

Following a crushing defeat to England on home soil, Carter was understandably thrilled to see Ireland getting their Championship campaign back on track with a 22-5 triumph over Scotland in Glasgow last Friday week.

“We were very disappointed against England. We felt we didn’t perform to our standards.

“We had done a good bit of homework, we had been training quite well and we just felt physically we were blown out of it a little bit. I wouldn’t even use them being together for the last month, professional and whatever, as an excuse,” Carter said.

“We had an extra day in Scotland, which was fantastic. There was a real sense of togetherness there. We trained three times, which is great for us. They bounced back and really showed a great energy, driven by Ciara Griffin and the girls.”