England v Ireland: From a kick in the head to a kiss at the end for Maloney-McDonalds

It was a memorable afternoon at Twickenham for the married couple on opposing sides.

Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald of Ireland and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald of England kiss after the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match. Pic Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

When the lyricist Sammy Cahn penned the line “Ain’t Love A Kick In The Head?” you can be sure he did not intend his words to be taken literally, and certainly not on an international rugby pitch.

Yet when the Moloney-MacDonalds, England wing Claudia and Ireland hooker Clíodhna, faced each other for the first time as Test rivals that was one of the unintended consequences of a memorable afternoon for the married couple and Exeter Chiefs team-mates.

Clíodhna had taken the field first to the applause of both teams on her 50th Ireland appearance but there the niceties ended. Asked if there had been any contact between the two during the game, Claudia was quick to answer the question.

“Hmm, yeah she did,” the England player said of her other half. “I think it was a kick in the head, was what it was.

“She said she was nowhere near me. I said, ‘well, you kicked me and then rolled over the top of me. So I think you were, but it's fine. We're over it!” 

The couple revealed rugby had been a taboo topic in the build-up to their clash with Clíodhna admitting “you wouldn't really talk much shop at home.” Claudia said: “We've been parts of squads that have played against each other for a fair few years now. It's always an interesting week because you really just sort of steer clear of any rugby chat whatsoever. So it can lead to a few silences where you're trying not to give the game away, or just kind of look away and exit a conversation. But no, it's been fine. It's quite natural, really, I think.” 

Playing against one another for their respective countries was a unique first, though.

“It was a very special occasion,” Clíodhna said. “Proud of the performance in the second half, particularly from the girls. Very lucky to get (her 50th cap) in Twickenham, obviously, in front of that many people, and playing against Claud for the first time was very special.” 

Claudia continued: “I think it was quite special watching Clí run out for her 50th. We're both in the tunnel at the same time, and all the Irish girls were obviously clapping, and then actually all the English girls were clapping you out as well. So it felt natural that I could applaud that situation as well.

“I think a lot of pride prior to the game, and then as soon as the whistle goes, it's surprisingly natural just to get your head stuck in it, and you don't even really think too much about who's on the opposition, let alone if it's your wife.”