Coghlan looks to Six Nations for World Cup boost

Ireland captain Fiona Coghlan believes a fast start to the RBS Women’s 6 Nations is essential if her team are to have not just a successful championship but also achieve qualification for next year’s World Cup in France.

With France and England already qualified and two more places for the Six Nations teams up for grabs based on aggregate results of the 2012 and 2013 championships, the Leinster prop said three victories would be needed for Ireland to book their 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup place.

That means securing a first win in Wales for eight years on Sunday week when Coghlan is due to lead Ireland into their opening game in Aberavon.