IRELAND WOMEN SUFFERED a heartbreaking 17-14 defeat to England in the quarter-finals of the Rugby Europe Grand Prix in Russia this morning but bounced back to lift the plate trophy.
In their quarter-final clash on Sunday morning, Anthony Eddy’s side conceded a late try to agonisingly fall short in sweltering conditions in Kuzan.
However, Ireland dusted themselves down to comfortably beat Italy in the plate semi-final and then defeated Holland 14-10 in the final to head into round two of the Olympic qualifiers as the fifth ranked side.
After storming into a 14-0 lead at the break, Ireland were in complete control but were pegged back thereafter as Netherlands rallied with a two unconverted tries.
Ireland had enough in the tank, and scoreboard, however, to seal the win and get their campaign off to an encouraging start.
Next weekend, Ireland will be in France as the Road to Rio continues. If they can win that tournament, they’ll be assured of a place at the Olympics.
Ireland Women bounce back from earlier heartbreak to claim plate title in Olympic qualifier
Updated at 14.50pm
IRELAND WOMEN SUFFERED a heartbreaking 17-14 defeat to England in the quarter-finals of the Rugby Europe Grand Prix in Russia this morning but bounced back to lift the plate trophy.
In their quarter-final clash on Sunday morning, Anthony Eddy’s side conceded a late try to agonisingly fall short in sweltering conditions in Kuzan.
However, Ireland dusted themselves down to comfortably beat Italy in the plate semi-final and then defeated Holland 14-10 in the final to head into round two of the Olympic qualifiers as the fifth ranked side.
After storming into a 14-0 lead at the break, Ireland were in complete control but were pegged back thereafter as Netherlands rallied with a two unconverted tries.
Ireland had enough in the tank, and scoreboard, however, to seal the win and get their campaign off to an encouraging start.
Next weekend, Ireland will be in France as the Road to Rio continues. If they can win that tournament, they’ll be assured of a place at the Olympics.
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