Murphy in line for FIBA Women’s EuroBasket debut as injury rules out Huijsdens

Ireland head coach James Weldon has called up Annaliese Murphy to his squad for Sunday’s FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers game with France, following a calf injury to Rachel Huijsdens at training on Thursday afternoon.

Results from a scan on Friday morning revealed that Huijsdens has sustained a calf tear. The Address UCC Glanmire’s Annaliese Murphy has been drafted in and 23-year-old the point guard in line for her FIBA Women’s EuroBasket debut, having earned her first international cap in a friendly against Austria last August. Murphy joined up with the rest of the Ireland squad on Friday.

Rachel Huijsdens in action for Ireland against the Netherlands in a FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers game.

James Weldon said: “We’re sorry to lose Rachel at this late stage in preparation for the France game. We have Annaliese Murphy stepping into the void, she’s been consistently performing well for her club side The Address UCC Glanmire for the last few seasons and deserves the call-up. We got a chance to work with her over the summer too and she’s a great addition to the squad.”

Murphy added: “It’s great to be back with the Ireland squad again, naturally it’s disappointing for Rachel and I hope she has a speedy recovery. I’ll give my all in the next couple of days to be in the best shape possible for Sunday’s game. To make my FIBA Women’s EuroBasket debut would be a huge honour, having picked up my first senior cap during the summer.”

 Murphy is the second change this week to the original 12-person squad, with University of Galway Mystics player Kara McCleane replacing injured captain Edel Thornton, who’s out with a broken nose.

Ireland’s FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers game with world number 7 France is live on TG4, tipping off at 5pm. Tickets can be purchased for this Sunday’s fixture here.

Ireland Squad:

Jessica Scannell (Geelong United Supercats, Aus), Michelle Clarke, Claire Melia (Killester), Sorcha Tiernan, Áine O’Connor, (FloMAX Liffey Celtics), Sarah Hickey, Kate Hickey (SETU Waterford Wildcats), Lauryn Homan (Gurranabraher Credit Union Brunell), Hannah Thornton (DCU Mercy), Bridget Herlihy (Ensino Lugo CB, Spa), Kara McCleane (University of Galway Mystics), Annaliese Murphy (The Address UCC Glanmire).