Ireland: Sam Monaghan and Edel McMahon named co-captains for Dubai tournament

Bemand added that the captaincy would be reviewed following the Dubai tournament, saying that the duo could remain in place for next year’s Six Nations.

Monaghan and McMahon were previously team-mates at Wasps and both described their appointment as an “honour”.

“We have a really clear goal and some good momentum over the past two weeks with the direction we are heading both off and off the pitch. We can’t wait to get to Dubai,” added Monaghan.

The co-captains are among the four English-based players named in the 30-player squad for the games against Kazakhstan, Colombia and Spain on 13, 21 and 28 October.

While the Dubai competition will have a development element with seven uncapped players – Clara Barrett, Ruth Campbell, Megan Collis, Eimear Corri, Sarah Delaney, Katie Whelan and Fiona Tuite – included, Bemand insisted that Ireland would be aiming to win the tournament.

“International rugby has a massive performance focus. Having a winning identify will be important for that,” said the Ireland coach.

“We’re not shying away from that. I guess the opportunity that we’ve got with (A), some of the teams that we’re playing, it allows us to compete, to learn what our training and playing identity is.