By selecting only 37 players in a training panel in May, Scott Bemand’s squad felt relatively well flagged in recent months.
However, the 32 named on Monday contained some names that would have been wholly unexpected only a few weeks ago.
Claire Boles, a back row forward who was an Olympian in sevens last summer, is included despite not being named in the initial training squad, as is full-back Meabh Deely who was listed only as a “training panelist” in May.
Boles, with six caps, and Deely, who has played in 14 Tests, are however at least known quantities to the side.
Prop Ellena Perry and centre Nancy McGillivray did not feel on the radar when preparations for this tournament began, yet both will travel after only making their debuts this month.
Gloucester-Hartpury’s Perry, 28, is a former England international and appeared off the bench in the defeat against Canada.
She is eligible for Ireland through her maternal grandfather and, with her last England cap coming in November 2020, can represent a second nation under World Rugby regulations because she has completed a three-year stand-down period.
With fellow front row Christy Haney ruled out with a hamstring injury picked up this month, Perry could have an important role to play at the tournament.
While not capped at senior level, Exeter’s Nancy McGillivray is also in the squad despite having been in the English system.
After previously training with the Red Roses, McGillivray scored on her Ireland debut against Scotland in the first warm-up fixture.
Both have club colleagues in the Ireland set-up but does parachuting players in so close to the tournament risk squad harmony?
“If done incorrectly,” said Bemand last week. “Everything has been done well, in my opinion.
“So actually, transitioning in, in terms of the block that we’ve gone through, it’s been a pre-season block. People coming in and getting touch points within pre-season blocks is actually a really healthy point to enter and it gives people time to acclimatise.
“It gives people time to understand what the culture is of the group. It’s not just an on-pitch piece, there’s an off-pitch culture where people like to be themselves and add to our wave.”
