The rebuild of Irish women's rugby has suffered another significant blow, with senior XV captain Nichola Fryday confirming her retirement from Test rugby.
The 28-year-old will continue to play with her club Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership.
It's yet another blow for the Irish XVs programme which has seen constant disruption in recent years, with head coach Greg McWilliams parting company with the IRFU in the wake of the Six Nations wooden spoon in 2023.
The 34-cap second row was the key leader in an already inexperienced side which suffered defeat in all five games of their Six Nations campaign. The Offaly native scored a try in her final game for Ireland when they were beaten 36-10 by Scotland at the end of April.
"The 2023 Six Nations may not have been the tournament I had hoped to end my International career on, but one thing I learned with that phenomenal group of players was the true definition of grit and heart in the midst of adversity," Fryday said in a statement.
"My time representing my country has been full of highs and lows personally and as a collective. If back in 2015 you had told me when I first picked up a rugby ball in Tullamore RFC I would one day represent my country 34 times and captain the team for two seasons I wouldn't have believed you.
"The beauty of women’s rugby is the endless possibilities and the huge growth still to be made in the sport for any girl or woman that decides to pick up a ball in their local club like I did."
The lock made her Ireland debut in 2016 against Canada, before being appointed captain ahead of the 2022 Six Nations following the retirement of Ciara Griffin.
Having moved to Exeter in 2021, Fryday was one of a number of players to turn down contract offers with the IRFU in 2022 in favour of remaining in the Premiership.
"At some stage it comes to a natural end and that time is now for me as I look to develop my career off the pitch while continuing to play club rugby with Exeter.
"My time representing my country will be memories I cherish for the rest of my life.
"To all of the supporters over the years thank you for always believing. I have no doubt over the next few years this team will grow to be a force to be reckoned with and I look forward to joining you in the stand and supporting them. I look forward to next season with Exeter Chiefs as we regroup and go again."
The IRFU are still looking to fill the vacancy of head coach, with senior coach John McKee filling the role on an interim basis.
The departure of Fryday will be a significant blow to whoever takes charge ahead of Ireland's WVX 3 campaign in the autumn with a large portion of the Irish squad having played fewer than 15 Tests.
In spite of that, there are some standout candidates for captaincy, with Sam Monaghan, Neve Jones, Linda Djougang and Dorothy Wall having become key players in recent seasons.
