Ireland will be hoping to take advantage of Italy's somewhat disappointing performance since entering the tournament in 2007, and will hope to repeat last years win against the visitors. The current squad has been making great strides in training recently and defeated Scotland in a warm up match back in December. Here we catch up with squad members Amy Davis and Lauren Day and newcomer, Eliza Downey.
AMY DAVIS-
Amy, a student from Belfast, has established herself as a strong member of the Ireland squad over the past number of years. She also plays her club rugby for Blackrock Ladies.
Amy, how are you feeling about this year's Six Nations campaign?
I'm really looking forward to it. We have a whole new coaching and conditioning set up this year and the whole squad has been working really hard in training both on and off the field, and this showed in our friendly against Scotland before Christmas.
Since then, everyone has doubled their effort and the squad has really come together. There is a great atmosphere among all the girls, and things are really starting to click in certain areas. It will be good to get playing and try new ideas in games. This years Six Nations will be a good building block for the World Cup in August.
Can you tell us a bit about how training is going and outline a typical week for you leading up to the Six Nations?
Training is going well- we have had squad camps every weekend which have been very productive in setting the standard at which we want to play this year. At the moment, a typical week for me begins with a rest day on a Monday, as I will have been involved in a game or camp the previous weekend. Although its a down day, I still have to do set core work in the morning. Tuesday consists of a weights session in the morning or perhaps a speed or sled session, then on Wednesdays I will have club training and conditioning. Thursdays are for weights and a skills session and then Friday will be mainly about core work and active rest. On Saturday and Sunday I'm back in camp, usually with some sort of game on the Sunday, and then the weekly cycle begins again!
Do you have a personal goal for this years tournament?
My goal is simply to approach each game by giving it my all and to hopefully play better than my opposite number.
Who will you be looking out for in the opposition during this year's tournament?
The reason that this tournament is so good is that each team has a different style and flair in the way they play, but the team that look I out for most is England; mainly because everyone wants to beat them, but also because they are coming off the back of a successful Autumn International series, having beaten the world champion Black Ferns. England are the first team that we will play in the World Cup, but in saying that, every year the tournament has got closer and closer, so I think we need to watch out for every team.
LAUREN DAY-
This is Lauren's second year in the Irish squad. As well as playing for her province, she plays her club rugby for Cooke, and works as a teaching assistant at Grosvenor GS in Belfast.
Lauren, how are you feeling about this year's Six Nations?
I'm both excited and nervous. I'm really looking forward to the opening game against Italy- we want to go out on Friday evening and perform well. I feel very privileged to be involved in the Ireland Squad and to say that I have represented my country in a sport that I absolutely love is an honour.
Can you tell us a bit about how training is going and outline a typical week for you leading up to the Six Nations?
Training is going really well, but it's fairly hectic with working full time. My week usually consists of club training twice a week, strength and conditioning, speed work and reset every morning, with the weekends of late being spent in Camp (4 training sessions over 2days). But what can I say; I love it...and being busy has the added bonus of keeping me out of trouble!
Do you have a personal goal for this years tournament?
This is only my third season playing rugby so Ive still got plenty to learn. Training alongside the finest players in the country and playing against the best has enabled me to progress as a player. My initial goal is to get on as a sub and to perform well- then hopefully get my first start in the green jersey.
Who will you be looking out for in the opposition during this year's tournament?
Like Amy said, we will be really looking out for England as they are the only team in the 6 Nations that we have yet to beat- we came close last year, but just didn't quite manage to finish it out in the 2nd half. To beat them on their home ground before the World Cup would be a great achievement.
ELIZA DOWNEY-
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Out of the three, Eliza is the newest member to the Ireland squad, and indeed to Rugby. A sports fanatic, she plays for Cooke and Ulster and also plays Gaelic Football for her home county, Down.
Eliza, how are you feeling about your first Six Nations tournament?
Honestly, I am so excited. There's a great atmosphere in camp around our first game and its a real honour to have the opportunity to represent my country. Im delighted to be a part of this year's competition.
How is training going?
With this being my first year on the squad, I have been extremely impressed by the highly professional attitude of both management and players in the run up to the Six Nations. Training has been intense, but very well structured and very effective. The girls and management have been very welcoming and encouraging and have definitely helped me progress as a player.
You haven't been playing rugby for very long- how has your playing career gone so far and how do you juggle your other sporting commitments?
Over a year ago my long term goals in Rugby were to gain as much experience as I could, taking part in as many club and provincial games, tournaments and tours as possible and playing with and against players of a high standard that would help me better my game. Fortunately I have been able to challenge myself on all these levels and look forward to further progressing as a player. I'm lucky enough to have managers in both Gaelic and Rugby who understand my commitment and love for both sports. Working closely with them enables me to remain dedicated to both games and create a programme to work from that will assist my progress as an athlete and reduce the chances of burn out.
Do you have a personal goal for your first Six Nations tournament?
Personally, I want to be able to justify my place on the squad by performing to the best of my ability. I am aware that I am always on a learning curve and will look to my other team mates and those in the opposition for inspiration and example. Many of these girls are world class players, and I am hoping that playing alongside them and being part of the whole experience will enhance me as a player.
The IRFU Ulster Branch would like to wish Amy, Lauren and Eliza, as well as the whole squad, the very best of luck in their Six Nations journey.
