Tom Tierney delighted as determined Irish keep Grand Slam hopes on track

Ireland 13 France 10: Ireland weathered Storm Ewan, proved the doubters wrong and took a massive step towards a Grand Slam with deserved victory over France in Donnybrook yesterday.

Though the hosts were without Sene Naoupu, Alison Miller, and Hannah Tyrell who were called into the World Sevens series squad, they still had far too much guile for France, with Sophie Spence leading the powerful Irish pack to victory.

“We’re a women’s programme,” insisted coach Tom Tierney when quizzed on the forced omissions. “This win was absolutely outstanding. It’s about winning matches and driving the women’s programme forward. The win just proved with an extended squad everyone is up to speed.”