Ireland head coach Sean Dancer has announced a reduced panel of 23 players for 2021 including uncapped players Michelle Carey and Zara Malseed.
The team has been training both regionally and nationally throughout the past number of months, playing a series of inter-squad matches in order to remain in top shape despite restrictions preventing them taking on other international squads.
The panel sees a mix of internationally experienced players, with several World Cup medallists included, while also incorporating some young and upcoming talent with the inclusion of two uncapped players.
Speaking on the selection, head coach Sean Dancer said "This has been a tough process, reducing the number of athletes on the panel. We've seen some new talent come in and make an impression, which is a great sign for the longer term vision of the sport here in Ireland.
"I’m confident we have a really good mix of experience and talent in this panel. They’ve all been working incredibly hard and it’s been quite challenging over the past number of months with restrictions.
"I’m looking forward to the next few months and excited that we’re getting closer to Tokyo 2021."
Irish captain Katie Mullan said is exciting about some of the big games coming up: "2020 has been a challenging year for everyone but over the past couple of months we have trained incredibly hard. With a very competitive cohort we have made some great progress, despite all the challenges COVID has presented.
"All our training has been in a safe environment which is credit to our staff and the players for adhering to all rules put in place.
"We are very excited for 2021 with two major international competitions on the calendar, Europeans and the Olympic Games. However, first and foremost we just cannot wait to play some international test matches again in the New Year."
Ireland squad: Beth Barr, Michelle Carey, Naomi Carroll, Elizabeth Colvin, Nicola Daly, Deirdre Duke, Nicola Evans, Megan Frazer, Sarah Hawkshaw, Zara Malseed, Hannah Matthews, Shirley McCay, Ayeisha McFerran, Hannah McLoughlin, Kathryn Mullan, Elizabeth Murphy, Anna O'Flanagan, Grace O'Flanagan, Elena Tice, Sarah Torrans, Roisin Upton, Chloe Watkins, Zoe Wilson
Schedule for Tokyo:
- 24 July: Ireland v South Africa
- 26 July: Netherlands v Ireland
- 28 July: Germany v Ireland
- 30 July: Ireland v India
- 31 July: Ireland v GB
- 2 Aug: Quarterfinal
- 4 Aug: Semi-final
- 6 Aug: Final
