Gallagher handed full-back start as Ireland seek WXV Global Series finale win over Springboks

Niamh Gallagher will start at full-back for Ireland in the WXV Global Series 2026 finale against the Springbok Women, head coach Scott Bemand confirmed on Thursday, with Aoibheann Reilly also coming into the XV at scrum-half in the only two changes to the backline.

Gallagher, 20, earned her first Ireland cap during the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations while playing for Trailfinders Women. She replaces Stacey Flood, who drops to the bench. Reilly is selected ahead of Emily Lane and will partner out-half Dannah O’Brien at half-back.

The rest of the backline is unchanged from the side that beat South Africa 40-27 at Athlone Stadium in the first meeting between the two sides. Béibhinn Parsons and Robyn O’Connor retain their wing berths, while Aoife Dalton and Anna McGann continue in the centres.

The pack is also unchanged. Linda Djougang, Neve Jones and Eilís Cahill form the front row, with Jane Clohessy and Dorothy Wall at lock. Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan joins captain Erin King and Sale Sharks’ Brittany Hogan in the back row.

Among the replacements, Sophie Barrett is in line to win her second cap. Beth Buttimer and Niamh O’Dowd provide front-row cover, while Grace Moore, Jemima Adams Verling and Eve Higgins are also named in the 23.

Despite losing the first fixture 40-27, South Africa moved into the top ten of the World Rugby rankings — adding a layer of significance to what Ireland will be looking to achieve in the series finale.

Ireland matchday 23 v South Africa — WXV Global Series 2026

1. Niamh Gallagher (Trailfinders Women / IQ Rugby) — 4 caps
2. Béibhinn Parsons (Blackrock College / Connacht) — 39 caps
3. Anna McGann (Railway Union RFC / Connacht) — 21 caps
4. Aoife Dalton (Old Belvedere RFC / Leinster) — 37 caps
5. Robyn O’Connor (Old Belvedere RFC / Leinster) — 7 caps
6. Dannah O’Brien (Old Belvedere RFC / Leinster) — 39 caps
7. Aoibheann Reilly (Blackrock College RFC / Connacht) — 23 caps
8. Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere RFC / Leinster) — 61 caps
9. Neve Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury) — 50 caps
10. Eilís Cahill (UL Bohemian RFC / Munster) — 8 caps
11. Jane Clohessy (UL Bohemian RFC / Munster) — 4 caps
12. Dorothy Wall (Exeter Chiefs) — 45 caps
13. Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan (Old Belvedere RFC / Ulster) — 29 caps
14. Erin King (Old Belvedere RFC / Leinster) — 16 caps (captain)
15. Brittany Hogan (Sale Sharks) — 47 caps

Replacements: 16. Beth Buttimer, 17. Niamh O’Dowd, 18. Sophie Barrett, 19. Grace Moore, 20. Jemima Adams Verling, 21. Emily Lane, 22. Eve Higgins, 23. Stacey Flood