Ulster Women are in the midst of their Interprovincial campaign and there is a strong Enniskillen contingent in the squad.

In all five players - India Daley, Lucy Thompson, Moya Hill, Sophie Barrett and Sophie Meeke - are in the squad for the series along with another Fermanagh native, Claire Boles who plays her club rugby for Railway Union.

And India Daley and Sophie Barrett were both selected in the team for last week’s encounter against Connacht.

It has been two defeats out of two so far for Ulster with the Connacht result coming on the back of a loss to Munster but India Daley feels that they are improving with each game.

“The results have been disappointing but we are improving week on week, our second half comeback performance against Connacht shows how good we can play together but unfortunately we couldn’t get the final score we needed.

“It is such a great squad and everyone is building and working hard every week,” she said.

Ulster had trailed 0-20 at half time last week against Connacht at Kingspan Stadium but they rallied in the second half before eventually losing out 19-25.

Daley wants them to take that second half display into this week’s encounter against Leinster.

“There are many positives to take from that second half, our set piece is a great weapon for us and is something we are looking to take with us into this week’s game.

“We need to start the game the same way we started the second half last week,” she added.

The Skins player thoroughly enjoys playing for Ulster and testing herself against the best.

“It’s always an unbelievable feeling playing an Interpro game as you know you’re coming up against the best players in the country and testing yourself against them.”

And she knows that playing at this level gives her an idea of what is required to be the best.

“It shows the level of high quality players we have in the country and the amount of competition there is for positions and to get onto a squad.

“You need to work so hard to become the best player you can.”

Daley is among a strong batch of Skins players involved with Ulster and that is something she is very proud of.

“It’s something I’m very proud of, to see all the hard work that has been going on with youth girls rugby at Enniskillen coming to fruition now with players being involved with Ulster.

“It’s also nice to be able to play with players I’ve played with multiple times and know how they play,” she added.

And India is in no doubt that it is testament to the work being put in at Enniskillen.

“The youth girls and women’s rugby is huge at the club, and the hard work and time that coaches, parents and players have all been putting in is fantastic to see, and is showing on the pitch with our youth girls teams having some great results and of course our senior ladies team going well also.

“And it is great to see so many youth girls and ladies involved in the provincial squads,” she added.

“For now though the focus is on Ulster and pushing on.

“I like to stay focused on the task at hand and that’s currently playing Leinster on Saturday.

“I would like to see this Ulster team grow and get good results over the couple of seasons as we are capable of it,” she concluded.

 

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