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Molloy (left) has been named as Ireland's World Cup captain. Giuseppe Fama/INPHO
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With Briggs injury setback, Ireland turn to Molloy as Women's Rugby World Cup captain

The 29-year-old will replace Niamh Briggs who was forced to pull out of the tournament last week.

CLAIRE MOLLOY WILL captain Ireland in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the IRFU confirmed today.

Molloy will take over from Niamh Briggs, who was ruled out of the tournament last week with an Achilles injury picked up in training.

Molloy has been capped 53 times for her country and is set to take part in her third World Cup for Ireland.

Head Coach Tom Tierney said the flanker is experienced enough to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.

“Claire is one of the most experienced players in the squad, and having competed at two previous World Cups, she’s very much aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

“She has been one of the most outstanding performers for Ireland over the past number of seasons and has demonstrated her durability and consistency over the course of these campaigns.

“Since we began our World Cup preparations she has shown great leadership qualities and she thoroughly deserves the captaincy.

Ireland’s Claire Molloy Ireland flanker Claire Molloy: "I'm incredibly humbled to be given the opportunity to captain my country." Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

“Whenever Claire pulls on the green jersey she plays with huge pride and commitment, and I’ve no doubt that she will lead the side admirably throughout the tournament.”

Molloy said it was an honour to be selected as captain ahead of next week’s opening game versus Australia in UCD.

“I’m incredibly humbled to be given the opportunity to captain my country,” she said.

“It’s a massive honour to be selected to lead the team in a World Cup on home soil.

“I’m fortunate that I’ll be surrounded by players with great experience, and I’m just really looking forward to pulling on the green jersey and running out with my teammates.”

Claire Molloy Molloy pictured during the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup.

The 29-year-old  plays club rugby with Bristol RFC in the UK, where she also works as a doctor.

She competed at the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England and the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup in France, on top of picking up Six Nations medals in both 2013 and 2015.

The former Galway GAA player has previous experience leading her country, having captained the Ireland Women’s 7s during the 2013 Sevens Rugby World Cup in Russia.

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