McWilliams asks public to stay with Ireland after record defeat

Humbling 53-3 Six Nations defeat to French follows 31-5 loss to Wales but head coach insists he saw fight from players

BRUISING DAY: Neve Jones of Ireland, right, and teammate Nicole Cronin leave the pitch after the TikTok Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and France at Musgrave Park in Cork. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Ireland head coach Greg McWilliams has asked the Irish public to stay with his team after a record 53-3 Women’s Six Nations defeat to France at Musgrave Park.

Les Bleus played an hour with 14 players but showed they’re a level above this Irish team at present in terms of experience and execution with seven of their nine tries coming after loosehead prop Annaëlle Deshayes was red-carded.