Ireland secure second place at WXV1

SECOND PLACE: Ireland have finished in second place at the WXV1. Picture: ©INPHO/Travis Prior

Ireland have finished in second place after England defeated Canada and New Zealand overcame France at WXV1 in Canada.

Ireland won two of their three games when they defeated New Zealand in their first game and overcoming USA in their final game. They lost to hosts Canada 21-8 last weekend.

The second place finish ends a year of progression for Ireland as they bounced back from their 2023 Six Nations to secure third place in this year's competition securing qualificaiton for the 2025 World Cup and their spot in WXV1. 

Ireland won the third tier WXV3 competition last year Bemand's side have climbed 11 places.

On Saturday night England beat Canada 21-12 to retain their title in the WXV 1 decider.

The Canadian hosts put the Red Roses under intense pressure, but the defending champions fought back, extending their winning run to 20 matches with a nine-point victory.

Canada dominated early with a penalty in the opening minutes of the game, but England quickly responded.

Zoe Aldcroft, Sarah Bern and Maud Muir put England on the scoreboard with a try each, while Helen Rowland booted three conversions.

Canada took a lead midway through the second term with a penalty conversion but could not keep momentum.

England faced an additional challenge in the second half when full-back Ellie Kildunne was yellow-carded, leaving them a player down.

After a defensive battle between the two sides, Bern retook the lead for England after breaking a Canadian tackle on the try line.

A late try from Aldcroft secured the win.

England have not lost a game since the dramatic 2022 World Cup final loss to New Zealand.