Dismal day for Irish sides

A poor international weekend continued for Irish rugby this afternoon as both the Under-19s and women's side went down to their English counterparts in Dublin.

Following on from the Under-21s' 28-6 capitulation at Donnybrook on Friday, Pat Murray's Under-19s fell to a 47-6 defeat at Stradbrook.

The Irish - who are gearing up for April's IRB World Cup in Durban - were left trailing 22-3 at the break. UCD full-back Robert Kearney claimed their only points from a place kick, and he repeated the trick early in the second half.

Strong defence kept the unbeaten English out for 20 minutes on the restart, but tries followed for substitute Nick Adendanon (2) and Daniel Cipriani - completing a 17-point haul for the talented fly-half.

Ireland had little to offer in return, although 6ft 10in Lansdowne lock Devin Toner imposed himself at the lineout.

The visitors struck for four tries in the first-half with wings Dominic Shabbo and Uche Oduoza, and flankers Marc Howgate and Andrew Boyde on target.

At Templeville Road, Ireland's women slumped to their third defeat of the Six Nations campaign, being hit for three late tries in a 32-0 loss.

Paula George, Kim Shaylor and Maggie Alphonsi crossed for the visitors in the first half, with Helen Clayton (2) and Katherine Merchant sharing the late scores.

Captain Sarah-Jane Belton and Shannon lock Rosie Foley - sister of Ireland international Anthony - stood out for Phillip Doyle's home side.

Saturday Results:

Ireland U-19 6 England U-19 47, Blackrock College RFC, Stradbrook

Ireland Women 0 England Women 32, St Mary's College RFC, Templeville Road