Snap happy! President Michael D Higgins presents the Ireland side with their jerseys

Bring it.

THE COUNTDOWN IS nearly over.

Ireland welcomes the world tomorrow, as the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup gets underway.

England and Spain face off in the opening fixture, while Tom Tierney’s side have to wait until evening time as their first challenge comes in the form of Australia [kick-off 7pm].

Of course, President Michael D Higgins was at hand tonight to present the captain Claire Molloy and the squad with their jerseys in UCD — and there were smiles all around as the final touches were applied before taking to rugby’s biggest stage.

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins gets presented a jersey by Ireland captain Claire Molloy Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins presents a jersey to Marie-Louise Reilly President Higgins and Marie Louise Reilly. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins presents a jersey to Eimear Considine President Higgins and Eimear Considine. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins presents a jersey to Nora Stapleton President Higgins and Nora Stapleton. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins presents a jersey to Claire Molloy President Higgins and captain Claire Molloy. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins gets presented a jersey by Ireland captain Claire Molloy Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina with the Ireland women's squad and management after the jersey presentation Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins talks to the players before presenting the jersey's Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins gets presented a jersey by Ireland captain Claire Molloy Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

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Snap happy! President Michael D Higgins presents the Ireland side with their jerseys

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