Ireland finish 4th in European 7s

Ireland’s Women finished fourth in their first 7s tournament, the FIRA European 7s tournament.

…Sarahjane Belton who scored two tries for Ireland against France to set up a semi final appearence in the FIRA Women’s 7s…

Ireland’s first ever appearance on the International Sevens circuit proved an extremely worthwhile venture, as the side finished the FIRA European Women’s Sevens tournament in fourth place out of 26 teams, over the weekend.

Having overcome Russia, Sweden and Norway on day one of the competition, the Irish faced a fancied French team in the quarter finals on the second day of the tournament.

Continuing on with their fine form though, they accounted for the French 15-5, with two tries to senior skipper SarahJane Belton. This set up a semi-final with tournament favourites and reigning champions England.

The English, with years of experience at this level, including multiple trips to the Hong Kong Sevens, proved too strong for Ireland running out 21-0 winners.

England were denied another title though by Wales. The Welsh, backing up an outstanding Six Nations campaign, won the final 10-7.

The tournament ended on a slightly disappointing note, with Ireland losing to the Netherlands 10-0 in the 3rd-4th playoff.

These results, coupled with a good Six Nations and the historic win over Canada last month, complete a very good season for the national squad and should provide another level of optimism in the lead up to the Women’s Rugby World Cup this autumn.