Ireland hit the ground running

Ireland 21 Wales 3: Ireland coach Tom Tierney had plenty of reason to smile at Donnybrook on Saturday afternoon.

A 21-3 victory over Wales in this Women’s Six Nations opener was cause for celebration, but moreso given the changed selection canvas due to retirements and the departure of some stars to concentrate on the sevens code.

Tierney admitted: “It was a great win to start the championship with a lot of new faces, some winning their first cap, some their second. They all gelled with the experienced girls and it all leads into a good training week ahead of the French game.”