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

Ireland 7 England 34: England’s women captured their first Six Nations title since 2012 as they swept to victory in a pulsating Grand Slam decider at Donnybrook last night.

The Ireland Women's challenge fell away in the final quarter at Donnybrook tonight as England secured their first Women's Six Nations title since 2012.

England’s women rugby stars, who defeated Ireland en route to the World Cup title this month, will be handed the chance to turn professional for the first time next month, the Rugby Football Union has announced.

The French rugby union’s HQ in Marcoussis is a quiet enough sort of spot at the best of times, but it must be positively eerie today as so many of its current residents come to terms with the events of Wednesday evening.

Ireland 7 England 40

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.

England 17 Ireland 10

England Women 17 Ireland Women 10