Ireland will host best Women’s World Cup yet, says Browne

The countdown to the Women’s Rugby World Cup has begun amid belief that the IRFU’s ability to host a cross-border competition will strengthen Ireland’s bid to host the 2023 men’s tournament.

In glorious weather in Dublin yesterday the tournament logo, a resplendent five-tone green design, was unveiled ahead of its August 2017 kick-off date that will see UCD host the pool stages before the semi-finals and finals are staged in Belfast.

With no babies waiting on the doorstep of Leinster house, an Taoiseach Enda Kenny arrived to pounce on a positive story. Women’s sport, a national cause and sun in the sky, what more could a national leader ask for to get that pom-pom waving fist of his into a flurry?