Ireland U16 WNT 2026/27 extended roster selected

Ireland U16 WNT head coach Paul O'Brien believes his squad have the "physicality" required to compete at the European level, as he begins preparations for FIBA Youth EuroBasket 2027 with a roster of 26 players. 

Only one, Mia Dunne, returns from the team which competed in a truncated campaign a year ago. The Dublin Lions guard, who now plays in Spain, featured in all three games of the mini-tournament against Greece, Great Britain and Denmark, averaging 3.3 points in 12 minutes of action. 

The inexperienced squad, which has eight players who will also be eligible in 2028, includes personnel from 17 clubs in 10 counties - Antrim, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Monaghan and Sligo. Malahide BC are the best represented club, with three selected on the roster - followed by Sligo All-Stars, Dublin Lions, Liffey Celtics and Kilkenny Stars who all have two. 

"I'm really excited about the group of players that we have selected for the next phase of the programme," said O'Brien. "The trials were very competitive and the decision was a tough one and I would like to thank all the players that tried out. We have selected a group of players that we feel can play with the physicality that we need to compete at European level and are we are really looking forward to seeing the progress we can make over the next few months."