Wales suffered a second Women's Rugby World Cup defeat as Canada won a bruising contest 15-0 at Billings Park in Dublin.

England notched their second straight 10-try win in defence of their World Cup title by over-powering Pool A rivals Italy 56-13.

The Ireland Women's management team have confirmed that captain Niamh Briggs has been ruled out of the Women's Rugby World Cup, writes Ciara Phelan.

Niamh Briggs will captain the Irish women’s rugby team in the upcoming Six Nations tournament.

Emotions ran high in the aftermath of Ireland's 25-18 loss to Women's World Cup hosts France, especially with Fiona Coghlan and Philip Doyle heading up the list of departing players and coaches.

Head coach Philip Doyle was left to rue a poor defensive display from his Ireland side as they were well beaten by England in tonight's opening Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final in Paris.

Ireland's first ever Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final appearance turned into a nightmare outing as dominant England hit them with 40 unanswered points in Paris.

Ireland Women's rugby coach Philip Doyle has named the same side that overcame New Zealand for their Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final against England tomorrow.

Ireland Women 40 Kazakhstan Women 5

Inspirational captain Fiona Coghlan has now led the Ireland Women's team to Grand Slam glory and a priceless Test win over New Zealand - and she is not finished yet.

The Irish Women's team have beaten the four-time World Champions New Zealand by 17 points to 14 in their World Cup clash in Paris this evening.

Ireland head coach Philip Doyle was delighted that his side closed out a 23-17 win over the USA in their opening game at the Women's Rugby World Cup.

Niamh Briggs accumulated 18 points as Ireland outfought and outfoxed a physical USA team to begin the Women's Rugby World Cup in winning style.

Ireland Women 32 Scotland Women 8

Ireland Women 3 USA Woman 40

Women's Rugby World Cup - Pool b

The Ireland women's team have taken a leaf out of their male counterparts' book by hiring a head coach who hails from Cork by the name of O'Sullivan.

Cork's management is banking on a settled side to collect the county's second successive TG4 All-Ireland Ladies SFC title tomorrow afternoon.

Ireland will play Scotland on Tuesday in a bid to finish as high as fifth in the final placings at the Women's Rugby World Cup following their win over South Africa on Friday night.

Ireland 37 South Africa 0

The Irish women’s rugby team will play Six Nations fixtures at Donnybrook for the first time this year when they host Spain in Dublin on February 4, and Wales on February 25.