Absence of Ireland stars 'can be positive' - Smyth

Paige Smyth made her first start for Ulster in their defeat by Leinster on Sunday

Ulster's Paige Smyth believes running the Women's Interprovincial Championship alongside the World Cup will give others opportunities to impress.

The winger made her first start for her province on Sunday in their 37-21 loss to holders Leinster in Dublin.

Being handed the number 11 jersey for the clash marked another impressive landmark in the transition between sports for Smyth who is also an All-Ireland junior GAA winner with her native Down.

The 2025 edition of the interpros has a slightly different feel, with provinces forced into changes with many star names called up to the Ireland squad for the World Cup that starts this month in England.

Ulster will be without four big names with Claire Boles, Brittany Hogan, Sadhbh McGrath and Fiona Tuite all called up to Scott Bemand's panel for the tournament they begin on Sunday, 24 August against Japan in Northampton.

Despite missing their obvious talent, Smyth sees it as a chance for others to shine when give opportunities.

"You know, the Ulster girls that are involved with the Ireland set-up, they're a massive loss to us obviously," she said told BBC Sport NI.

"But I think it can be a positive opportunity too because it means it's a chance for other players that aren't contracted. I think if we look at it that way it can be positive."

Ulster, who face Connacht in Galway on Saturday, will play their final group game against Munster just one day before the Irish World Cup campaign kicks off, while the championship's play-off round is scheduled to take place 24 hours before the national side face Spain in their second pool fixture.

While the eyes of many will be fixated on the events and happenings at the global showpiece, Smyth believes the increased exposure will help the women's game across the board.

"The more coverage the better. I think for women's sport specifically, the more that's shown, the more that's put out there, the better it is for the sport because the women are putting in as much hard work and training and the set-up and what they're doing," she said,

"So it's nice to have something to show for it as well and to get more support and more people watching."

Ulster's trip to the Dexacom Stadium on Saturday (16:15 BST) features two sides looking to bounce back from opening-round defeats.

The Westerners also lost their first game of the campaign with a thumping 44-5 defeat at Munster.