Ireland seeking overdue Six Nations away win even as they continue to grow

Dannah O'Brien, left, and Linda Djougang of Ireland during the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and France at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand has stressed that his young and inexperienced team will continue to ‘do their growing up in the frontline’ as they chase a first Six Nations away from home since 2021 against Italy in Parma this Sunday.

The women’s side has made enormous strides since the former England assistant coach made the hop across the Irish Sea in late 2023, but the opening Championship loss to France in Belfast last week was typical of a team that is still finding its feet.