England Women 13 Ireland Women 9: The Ireland women’s team were left regretting their inability to cash in on their best period of dominance as Abbie Scott’s second-half sucker punch try denied Tom Tierney’s side an historic Twickenham win.

Ireland’s inexperienced women’s out-half Nikki Caughey thought there would be more nerves on her return to the team against Wales last weekend after a two-year absence with injury.

It’s only five months since Ireland made history at the Women’s Rugby World Cup by beating New Zealand in the pool stages and reaching the semi-finals, but the personnel changes since have been seismic.

Munster coach Garry Walsh admitted ‘bitterness’ of defeat played a part in his side’s 15-12 victory over Leinster to claim the women’s interpro title at Ashbourne RFC on Saturday afternoon.