The Ireland Women ended their World Cup journey with a best ever finish of fourth place after falling to France in a bruising 3rd/4th place play-off tie in Paris.

The Ireland Women fell just short of a first ever win on French soil as the home side held on to win their first Six Nations title and Grand Slam since 2005.

Ireland Women 15 France Women 10

On a day when International Women’s Day was celebrated across the globe, the Ireland women’s rugby edged closer towards immortality.

Following his showing at just his second Tour de France, Irish rider Nicolas Roche has extended his contract with Ag2r-La Mondiale until the end of 2012.