Ireland bid to banish RWC ‘hurt’

Ireland women’s rugby coach Tom Tierney claims he has not taken the criticism of him and his team’s displays personally despite the “hurt” of under-performing at this World Cup.

It has not been a good tournament for the host nation, with last Thursday’s comprehensive defeat by France ending their hopes of making the semi-finals.

Instead of taking centre stage against England in a big semi-final showdown tonight, the hosts will be the opening act at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast, facing Australia in a fifth place play-off semi-final.