Let’s dive into the match highlights and key moments.

Mastercard Player-of-the-Match: Neve Jones and Béibhinn Parsons Shine

– Neve Jones and Béibhinn Parsons stood out as the stars of the match, each scoring two tries, making them the key players of the game.

First-Half Domination: Ireland’s Six Tries

In the first half, Ireland showcased their dominance with six tries. The tries were scored by Neve Jones, Natasja Behan, Grace Moore, Méabh Deely, Brittany Hogan, and co-captain Edel McMahon.

Debut for Fiona Tuite and Clara Barrett

Fiona Tuite and Clara Barrett made their debuts, contributing to Ireland’s impressive performance.

An emotional debut for Fiona Tuite but one she enjoyed.#WXVRugby #IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/PML5NPkHBi

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 21, 2023

Colombia’s Response: Maria I. Arzuaga’s Penalty

Colombia managed to put points on the board with a penalty from Maria I. Arzuaga in the 62nd minute.

Parsons and Tarpey Seal the Victory

Béibhinn Parsons added her sixth try of the tournament, and Leah Tarpey scored her first international try, sealing Ireland’s convincing win.

O’Brien’s Involvement

Dannah O’Brien, starting at out-half, played a crucial role, adding conversions to Ireland’s tries and providing key assists.

Strong Defensive Pressure

Ireland’s first-up tackling and counter-rucking consistently forced Colombia to lose ground, showcasing their strong defensive performance.

Table-Topping Victory

With this second consecutive bonus-point victory, Ireland leads the WXV3 table with 10 points, setting up a title decider with Spain in the next round.

Looking Ahead to Spain Clash

The upcoming clash with Spain promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Ireland eager to avenge their narrow loss in the 2021 Rugby World Cup qualifier.

Thank You

Neve Jones & Grace Moore with a post-match message from Dubai…#WXVRugby #irishrugby pic.twitter.com/OA8W5YJzIl

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 21, 2023

Méabh Deely (Blackrock College RFC/Connacht); Béibhinn Parsons (Blackrock College RFC/Connacht), Eve Higgins (Railway Union RFC/Leinster), Aoife Dalton (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster), Natasja Behan (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster); Dannah O’Brien (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster), Aoibheann Reilly (Blackrock College RFC/Connacht); Linda Djougang (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster), Neve Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury), Christy Haney (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster), Eimear Corri (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster), Sam Monaghan (Gloucester-Hartpury/IQ Rugby) (co-capt), Grace Moore (Saracens/IQ Rugby), Edel McMahon (Exeter Chiefs) (co-capt), Brittany Hogan (Old Belvedere RFC/Ulster). Replacements used:Sadhbh McGrath (City of Derry RFC/Cooke RFC/Ulster) for Haney, Fiona Tuite (Old Belvedere RFC/Ulster) for Corri, Leah Tarpey (Railway Union RFC/Leinster) for Dalton (all 53 mins), Molly Scuffil-McCabe (Railway Union RFC/Leinster) for Reilly, Clara Barrett (UL Bohemian RFC/Connacht) for O’Brien (both 61), Dorothy Wall (Blackrock College RFC/Munster) for Hogan (62), Sarah Delaney (Cill Dara RFC/Leinster) for Jones, Niamh O’Dowd (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster) for Djougang (both 70).

3 minutes – Ireland try: Neve Jones – 5-0; conversion: Dannah O’Brien – 7-0; 11 mins – Ireland try: Natasja Behan – 12-0; conversion: missed by Dannah O’Brien – 12-0; 17 mins – Ireland try: Grace Moore – 17-0; conversion: missed by Dannah O’Brien – 17-0; 21 mins – Ireland try: Méabh Deely – 22-0; conversion: Dannah O’Brien – 24-0; 25 mins – Ireland try: Brittany Hogan – 29-0; conversion: Dannah O’Brien – 31-0; 38 mins – Ireland try: Edel McMahon – 36-0; conversion: Dannah O’Brien – 38-0; Half-time – Ireland 38 Colombia 0; 42 mins – Ireland try: Béibhinn Parsons – 43-0; conversion: missed by Dannah O’Brien – 43-0; 51 mins – Ireland try: Neve Jones – 48-0; conversion: Dannah O’Brien – 50-0; 62 mins – Colombia penalty: Maria I. Arzuaga – 50-3; 69 mins – Ireland try: Béibhinn Parsons – 55-3; conversion: Méabh Deely – 57-3; 74 mins – Ireland try: Leah Tarpey – 62-3; conversion: Méabh Deely – 64-3; Full-time – Ireland 64 Colombia 3

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Wicklow’s spirited recovery from some heavy early losses in Energia Women’s All-Ireland League continued with a 15-10 win over fellow promoted club Ballincollig

Jason Moreton’s young side outscored ‘Collig by three tries to two at Ashtown Lane, with out-half Beth Roberts and co-captain Amy O’Neill both impressing.

After Covid-19 robbed them of two recent run-outs, Railway Union was full of running in their 62-3 demolition of Suttonians at Park Avenue.

Their 10-try tally included braces from Stephanie Carroll, Nikki Caughey, and Maggie MacKinnon, with Ireland-capped center Caughey also kicking 12 points. She is currently top of the scoring charts with 56 points.

Former Ireland Under-18 Sevens international Ava Ryder, who made her Energia Women’s AIL debut off the Railway bench, said:

“It’s brilliant to play against such a good team. Suttonians put it up to us, especially in the first half. It was a slow start but we came together in the end and got a good result.”

There is only a single point between the top four teams in the table, Old Belvedere leading the way thanks to a 28-21 bonus point success at home to Cooke.

The Belfast outfit was much-improved from last week, stringing together second-half tries from Lucy Thompson, Dolores Hughes, and captain Aishling O’Connell for a hard-earned losing bonus point.

Belvedere was seven points clear at the break, with prop Alice O’Dowd making the breakthrough from Jemma Farrell’s tap penalty. They added a penalty try and further efforts from pacy backs Vanessa Hullon and Alannah O’Carroll.

Munster’s Maggie Boylan bagged her eighth try of the season as Blackrock College got the better of a dogged Galwegians side, winning 19-5 at Crowley Park. Running back a kick, she flew down the left touchline, beating three players to score behind the posts.

Leinster captain Christy Haney used two big hand-offs to burst through for ‘Rock’s third try. Natasja Behan had an earlier breakaway score, which ‘Wegians had canceled out when working the ball wide for winger Saskia Morrissey to finish powerfully in the corner.

ENERGIA WOMEN’S ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE RESULTS:

GALWEGIANS 5 BLACKROCK COLLEGE 19, Crowley Park

Scorers: Galwegians: Try: Saskia Morrissey
Blackrock College: Tries: Natasja Behan, Maggie Boylan, Christy Haney; Cons: Lisa Mullen 2

GALWEGIANS: Mairead Coyne; Saskia Morrissey, Megan Walsh, Ursula Sammon, Laoise McGonagle; Emma Keane, Mary Healy (capt); Elizabeth McNicholas, Tracy Lawlor, Ellen Connolly, Sabina Egan, Niamh O’Grady, Fiona Scally, Lisa-Marie Murphy, Kate Feehan.

Replacements: Ruby Lynch, Jessica Loftus, Kiara Irwin, Dearbhla Canty, Faith Oviawe, Darwyn O’Halloran, Rhiann Heery.

BLACKROCK COLLEGE: Maggie Boylan; Natasja Behan, Michelle Claffey (capt), Jackie Shiels, Caoimhe O’Callaghan; Lisa Mullen, Laura Delaney; Aoife Moore, Emma Hooban, Christy Haney, Mairead Holohan, Eimear Corri, Caoimhe Molloy, Niamh Griffin, Casey O’Brien.

Replacements: Niamh Tester, Anna Potterton, Hannah Hodges, Valerie Power, Kate Cullen, Orla Molloy.

MALONE 0 UL BOHEMIANS 28, Gibson Park

* Match canceled – the IRFU National Competitions Committee has determined five league points and a scoreline of 28-0 will be awarded to UL Bohemians in the Energia Women’s AIL.

OLD BELVEDERE 28 COOKE 21, Ollie Campbell Park

Scorers: Old Belvedere: Tries: Alice O’Dowd, Penalty try, Vanessa Hullon, Alannah O’Carroll; Cons: Jemma Farrell 3, Pen try con
Cooke: Tries: Lucy Thompson, Dolores Hughes, Aishling O’Connell; Cons: Amanda Morton 3

OLD BELVEDERE: Laura Carty; Kate Balance, Vanessa Hullon, Katelyn Faust, Alannah O’Carroll; Aine Donnelly, Jemma Farrell; Alice O’Dowd, Rachel Murphy, Vic Dabanovich O’Mahony, Jan Carroll, Elaine Anthony, Ivanna Dempsey, Lesley Ring, Clodagh Dunne.

Replacements: Melissa Hayden, Dawn Keegan, Ciara O’Dwyer, Niamh O’Dowd, Jennie Finlay, Ava Jenkins.

COOKE: Dolores Hughes; Claire Johnston, Lucy Thompson, Coral Lapsley, Tamzin Boyce; Amanda Morton, Teah Maguire; Ilse van Staden, Megan Simpson, Aishling O’Connell (capt), Caolinn McCormack, Sorcha Mac Laimhin, Beth Cregan, Naomi McCord, Helen McGhee.

Replacements: Cara McKevitt, Fiona McCaughan, Georgia Boyce, Eimear McQuillan.

RAILWAY UNION 62 SUTTONIANS 3, Park Avenue

Scorers: Railway Union: Tries: Stephanie Carroll 2, Nikki Caughey 2, Maggie MacKinnon 2, Niamh Byrne, Aimee Clarke, Deirdre Roberts, Molly Scuffil McCabe; Cons: Nikki Caughey 6
Suttonians: Pen: Jessica Kelleher

RAILWAY UNION: Aoife O’Shaughnessy; Stephanie Carroll, Maggie MacKinnon, Nikki Caughey, Niamh Byrne (capt); Claire Keohane, Molly Scuffil McCabe; Amanda McQuade, Chloe Blackmore, Megan Collis, Keelin Brady, Siobhan McCarthy, Emma Murphy, Molly Boyne, Deirdre Roberts.

Replacements: Aimee Clarke, Claire Byrne, Kate McCarthy, Christine Coffey, Erin Coll, Alex McGuinness, Ava Ryder.

SUTTONIANS: Sophie Gibney; Jools Aungier, Jessica Kelleher, Catherine Martin, Lena Kibler; Nicole Carroll, Lauren Farrell McCabe (capt); Katie Grant Duggan, Aoife Brennan, Julia Bauer, Brenda Barr, Aislinn Layde, Louise Catinot, Carrie O’Keeffe, Aifric O’Brien.

Replacements: Ciara O’Brien, Megan Cullen, Emily McKeown, Molly Fitzgerald.

WICKLOW 15 BALLINCOLLIG 10, Ashtown Lane

Scorers: Wicklow: Tries: Aoibhin Stone, Sarah Gleeson, Meagan Parkinson
Ballincollig: Tries: Denise Redmond, Katelyn Fleming

WICKLOW: Orla O’Neill; Aoibhin Stone, Meagan Parkinson, Sarah Gleeson, Tammy Breen; Beth Roberts, Erin McConnell (co-capt); Lauren Barry, Amy O’Neill (co-capt), Kathy Byrne, Ciara Brennan, Caitlin Griffey, Jessica Schmidt, Emma Curran, Niamh Ni Dhroma.

Replacements: Robyn Mullen, Noelle Ward, Laura Newsome, Nicola Schmidt, Emily Ryan, Karen Douglas, Alexandra Dalton.

BALLINCOLLIG: Lauren Fahey; Michelle Stafford, Emma Connolly, Mona Fehily, Ellen O’Keeffe; Kelly Griffin, Gemma Lane; Roisin Ormond, Clodagh Walsh, Clare Coombes, Meaghan Kenny, Eimear Perryman, Kira Fitzgerald, Katelyn Fleming, Denise Redmond.

Replacements: Alix Cunneen, Naoise Murray, Laurileigh Baker, Niamh O’Regan, Gillian Coombes, Christine Arthurs, Sarah O’Donovan.

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Irish and international club rugby news, click here.

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Adam Griggs will vacate the Head Coach position when his current contract expires next month. His appointment that began in November 2017 will now come to an end. He will remain in charge for Ireland’s back-to-back Test matches against USA and Japan.

The IRFU has now announced the choice to appoint Greg McWilliams to fill in.

McWilliams brings a wealth of experience to the position. He will commence his role on 1st December to begin preparations with the squad for the 2022 Six Nations.

The 43-year-old was previously part of the Ireland Women’s coaching team. He served as an assistant coach for the 2010 and 2014 Rugby World Cups, as well as the 2013 Six Nations-winning campaign.

During his time in America, McWilliams was the Director of Rugby at Yale University and USA Eagles in 2017. McWilliams’ most recent role was Head Coach of Major League Rugby outfit Rugby United New York.

Commenting on today’s announcement, IRFU Director of Women’s and Sevens Rugby, Anthony Eddy, said:

“I would like to thank Adam for his commitment and dedication to the position.”

“Although there was disappointment with the outcome of the World Cup qualification, the squad has developed under his direction, and players have been identified and developed to a stage where now the incoming coach, Greg McWilliams, has a good squad to work with for the future.”

Griggs will move into the position of IRFU Provincial Talent Coach for Leinster, focusing on Talent ID and Player Development across both the Men’s and Women’s games.

He said: “It has been an enjoyable and challenging period. It was bitterly disappointing to exit the World Cup qualification as we did, however, I believe the group can take pride in their personal growth and development as rugby players.

“Personally, I will take plenty of learning from this experience which I look forward to implementing in the future. I would like to thank the players and support staff for their unwavering commitment to the green jersey and I look forward to watching a talented group grow into world-class players under Greg’s tutelage.”

Ahead of commencing his role with the IRFU, McWilliams commented: “It’s such an exciting time for women’s sport globally. There is a terrific energy building and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that journey, continuing on from the great work paved by Adam and his staff. I’m most looking forward to meeting the staff at the IRFU High-Performance Centre, the players, and their families.

The IRFU will announce the squad for the Autumn Tests against USA and Japan early next week

To read more in-depth and up-to-date Irish international and provincial rugby news, click here.

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The calendar will aim to focus on the continued growth of participation, development and profile of the game, through the celebration of rugby’s position as a game for all.

With a packed calendar of events, from Canterbury Give It Try, which grows participation among younger players, to the Energia Women’s All-Ireland League and a packed international calendar across sevens and fifteens squads, 2021/22 is set to be the busiest season to date for women’s rugby.

New season plan and look & feel for @IrishRugby Women at all levels. #nothinglikeit pic.twitter.com/Njr0HfwgRv

— Fiona Coghlan (@CoghlanFiona) July 19, 2021

IRFU Women’s Rugby Development Manager Amanda Greensmith welcomed the new calendar.

“It is fitting that as we all emerge from COVID-19, which had such a devastating impact on all sports, that we look forward to the return of an action-packed season, where there really is something for everyone that has space in their life to make more friends, have more fun and get fitter while doing it.

“Pre-Covid, our female domestic game programme was growing strongly with over 2,000 registered players, and with the new season, new promotional campaign and messaging we not only want to get all those people back, we want to demonstrate the warm welcome rugby has, to attract even more women and girls.”

#NothingLikeIt

For a life's worth of lessons, there's #NothingLikeIt… pic.twitter.com/EVCp2ELbxu

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 19, 2021

To elevate the women’s game throughout the year a new communications and marketing campaign, #NothingLikeIt will support all IRFU women’s programmes and initiatives to bring an exciting, vibrant and focused approach to how the game is presented, across coaching, volunteering and playing.

The campaign will look to highlight the inclusivity of sport, rugby in this case, and show that difference is an important part of teams.

To mark the new season and launch the #NothingLikeIt creative campaign Ireland Captains Ciara Griffin and Lucy Mulhall deliver a manifesto for the women’s game, inspired by the research and feedback from those who love, play and develop the game.

Touching on the new communications and marketing programme, Communications Director Stephen McNamara said: “We worked for many months with Rothco on the development of a new platform and look and feel for our women’s programme, and then had to put it on the back burner due to Covid.

“However, a new season offers new opportunities which will be filled with #NothingLikeIt moments. We hope that this work can lift the women’s game to the next level.”

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