Irish international leg-spinner Ciara Metcalfe has joined The Hills from Pembroke as player-coach.

The 36 year-old, capped 64 times for Ireland, made the move shortly before jetting off to India with her team mates for this month's T20 World Cup in India.

The move is a result of a major investment by the Milverton side in their coaching set-up.

"We've revamped our management committee and we're placing a huge emphasis on coaching structures coaching for all levels," said a club spokesperson.

"Our ladies section have been successful over the years with quiet a few representative players and cup success but the section needed a new lease of life to drive on new talent coming through.

"We have been using former players and current professionals to coach the ladies but it just hasn't worked totally. The ladies first XI are in the top flight and coming up against seasoned internationals and strong sides which can be tough but the section felt that with more structures in place we could compete at this level.

"We looked for a Head Coach last year but it was too late to get what we wanted. We started the process a bit earlier this year and with huge help from the Leinster Ladies section we got in touch with Ciara who had helped us so much get the word out of our plans.

"A meeting or two with Ciara and we knew she was the person for us. Her passion and forward thinking is amazing and in the first five days of her coming on board she has lifted the section and indeed the clubs belief in itself.

"We are delighted with our new recruit and being a Fingal gal the language barrier won't be a problem! Her duties will include coaching the ladies section and playing for the first team."

We wish Ciara and The Hills all the best with her new venture.