Ireland captain Nichola Fryday believes the recent performances of the Irish Combined Provinces XV in the Celtic Challenge tournament shows there's real talent coming through the women's game.
The Combined Provinces were comfortable winners of the inaugural tournament in recent weeks, which sees a representative side from Ireland, Scotland and Wales competing as preparation for the Tiktok Women's Six Nations, which gets underway next week.
Head coach Greg McWillians named eight uncapped players in his squad for the opening rounds of the Six Nations, with five of those - Niamh O'Dowd, Sadhbh McGrath, Fiona Tuite, Molly Boyne and Ella Roberts - having featured in the Celtic Challenge.
And after a number of other young prospects impressed during Ireland's successful tour of Japan last summer, Fryday says it shows the extent of the talent coming through.
"We're getting there. We're definitely a lot closer than we were this time last year, we had the Celtic league, so much new talent put their hands up and shone in that tournament," the Ireland captain (below) told RTÉ Sport at the launch of this year's Tiktok Women's Six Nations.
"It's great that that's a new development pathway for girls to get quality gametime ahead of the Six Nations, and we've found some really exciting young players during that tournament.
"We have a nice blend of experience and youth, and you want those bolters coming into the Six Nations that will take those teams by surprise.
"When I look back at some of the girls that are there at 19, and they've been playing rugby for six or seven years. When I was 19, I was only playing a year. They have so much rugby time under their belt, and it's great to see these young talented players coming through so young, and being able to compete with us old folks."
Ireland begin their campaign on Saturday 25 March, facing Wales at Cardiff Arms Park (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player), looking to avenge their 27-19 defeat at the RDS last season.
"It comes around so fast, but then when you're in the thick of it you relish every minute you're in camp, and we're really looking forward to getting to Cardiff to get that first game under way.
"I think that the first match is always a confidence booster, you're prepped and ready for the rest of the tournament. We're under no illusion Wales will be a good side, they edged it last year and we want to make sure we put our best foot forward and make sure we get the win."
The Irish side will also look slightly different when they line out against the Welsh, debuting their new navy shorts (below) which will become a permanent addition to the Irish women's team kit.
The IRFU confirmed this week that the women's team will move away from wearing the traditional white shorts, a decision which was prompted by players' feedback around period anxieties.
And Fryday says while the change may seem small, it means a lot to the players.
"For us, it shouldn't be a concern a woman has when they're going out to compete at the highest level of sport, or any level of sport. You shouldn't have that worry or concern whenever you're taking the pitch. It's a hugely positive thing for us, and we're delighted that we're one of the first nations to make that change. Canterbury have made a really good choice.
"It's a such a simple thing, and sometimes the simplest changes are the biggest and mean the most to people. It's a really positive thing and we're really happy.
"Even for younger girls to know that it's not a concern, to continue playing sport. It's one less thing to worry about, and that's really positive."
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