Ireland can learn from a painful rugby lesson

Simon Geoghegan says there is no shame in defeat to top England. He spoke to Barry Coughlan

FORMER Irish international Simon Geoghegan has hailed England for their Grand Slam triumph at Lansdowne Road but still held out hope for Ireland making a positive contribution to this year’s World Cup.

“There was no shame in this defeat despite the final score. England have beaten everyone in the world over the last couple of years. They have proved themselves to be a quality side but, despite the one sided score at Lansdowne Road, there are a lot of positives to be taken from an Irish perspective,” the former flying Irish winger said last night.