NIAMH GALLAGHER will play no further part in the Women's U20s Six Nations Summer Series, and consequently she will miss Ireland's final game against Scotland at Parma, Italy, on Sunday July 14.

The utility back was forced off approaching the hour mark after sustaining an ankle injury in the game against the hosts Italy on Tuesday (July 9th), and despite the best efforts of the physio team the injury has failed to heal sufficiently,

Still the player can reflect on a memorable international debut against England and, having been introduced to the fray in the second-half, hers was a memorable second-half effort.

She clearly did well enough to be promoted to the full starting line up against Italy (see report below), and deployed as fullback on that occasion, she seized the opportunity brilliantly with a fine all-round effort.

Niamh can rightly feel proud by what she has achieved, and her elevation to international level is the culmination of the efforts of clubs which have helped her along this pathway, including the Enfield Tigers which is where her rugby journey began.

(ITALIAN REPORT) NIAMH GALLAGHER made a very good fist of her second international hit-out for Ireland in the 24-17 defeat to Italy in the second round of games in the Women’s U20s Six Nations Summer Series in Parma, Italy, on Tuesday July 9, writes Jonathan Landi.

Promoted to the full starting line up after being introduced as a substitute against England, and drafted in as full back, she hardly put a foot wrong although the player was sadly forced off the field on the 52nd minute after suffering a knock in the 33 degree heat.

Very much in her element, and carrying on where she left off against England, Niamh put in a number of good tackles, and she also emerged as an attacking force after breaking the defensive line and impressing with the quality of her support play.

She also did very well to field a tricky up and under before unleashing a delicious relieving kick, when in tight quarters, which bounced invitingly into a touch – for an appreciable territorial gain which forced Italy scuttling back into their own half.

She said: "I hurt my ankle and - and going to see how it is over the next 24 hours, and hopefully it doesn't rule me out of the last game (against Scotland). I've just got to make sure I do what the physio says."

Still, Italy, building on their win against Scotland, had the last laugh after a cagey opening 40 minutes in which the game was evenly poised at 7-7, with Ireland opening the scoring via number eight Ivana Kiripati, and Italy replying in kind via prop Vittoria Zanette.

However, it was in the period after half-time that the game ran away from Ireland, as Italy put successfully stretched the Emerald Isle team in both directions following a brace of tries from the lively Martina Busana.

Italy further extended their lead via Greta Copat and, with Busana adding a second conversion, the damage was by and large done, although Ireland rallied late on with a couple of consolation tries from Kelly Burke.