‘We just had too much of a mountain to climb’

Ireland’s comprehensive 21-5 defeat to France at a rain-soaked UCD Bowl saw Tom Tierney’s side fail to qualify for the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-finals last night.

“Credit to France, they ran around us in the first half,” said Ireland captain Claire Molloy after the final whistle.

“We left them in too easily and then we just had too much of a mountain to climb. Their defence held until the very last minute but credit to our girls for getting the try. The support out there was amazing. They really were the sixteenth player and drove us on as we were camped out on the French 22.