Leinster retained the IRFU Women’s Interprovincial Championship with a 25-12 win over Connacht at Energia Park - the first time they have won back-to-back titles.

Munster regained the IRFU Women’s Interprovincial Championship crown by virtue of scoring difference after defeating 2016 champions Leinster (11-5) at Thomond Park on Saturday.

Munster 15 Leinster 7 (Ladies Interpro final): A polished performance from international Niamh Briggs led Munster, who had eight from the Highfield club in the starting side, to back-to-back interprovincial titles before a bigger than expected crowd at Thomond Park on Saturday

Wexford’s Katie Fitzhenry is confident that Ireland can progress from their group at this weekend’s global women’s rugby sevens tournament in UCD.

A leading Irish deaf group has warned Government cutbacks mean it must rely on charitable donations and the bequeathed wills of supporters in order to keep its services running.