Ireland rugby supporters had another result to savour as the Ireland Women’s Sevens side powered into the last four in Split with two sharp, controlled performances. In a weekend full of ireland sports updates, James Topping’s team underlined why they are one of the most dangerous outfits in irish sports right now, shutting out both France and Portugal to reach the semi-finals of the Rugby Europe Sevens Championship Series.
Captain Megan Burns led from the front as Ireland topped Pool A with a polished 33-0 win over France before backing it up with a 27-0 quarter-final victory against Portugal. For fans tracking ireland rugby, rugby ireland form lines and ireland sports results, this was a display built on pace, composure and ruthless finishing.
Ireland Rugby Delivers Another Big Statement In Split
The headline result came against France, a side that had won in Hamburg but arrived in Croatia with a changed squad. Ireland still had to deal with early pressure, and they did so impressively, staying compact in defence and refusing to give up a try-scoring chance.
Eve Higgins opened the scoring almost immediately, slicing through the French line with real intent before converting her own try. Emily Lane then produced one of the moments of the match, breaking clear from deep after a smart dummy to score Ireland’s second.
Even when France applied pressure and Kathy Baker spent time in the sin bin, Ireland stayed calm. That control was crucial. Higgins added her second after another swift counter, Amy Larn finished well in the corner, and Burns wrapped up the scoring with a classy late run.
- France 0-33 Ireland
- Tries: Eve Higgins 2, Emily Lane, Amy Larn, Megan Burns
- Key theme: disciplined defence and clinical counter-attacking
Quarter-Final Control Sends Ireland Into The Last Four
The quarter-final against Portugal followed a similar pattern. Ireland struck early through Lane, whose footwork and acceleration set the tone inside the opening two minutes. Burns then sniped over after a quick tap penalty, rewarding sustained territorial pressure.
Portugal were kept pinned back for long stretches, and Ireland’s work off the ball was just as impressive as their finishing. In the second half, Alana Fitzpatrick crossed after strong approach play, Katie Corrigan added another after sharp breakdown pressure, and Larn completed the scoring from a well-worked scrum move.
For anyone following ireland sports headlines, ireland women sports and ireland live sports coverage, this was a high-quality sevens performance: aggressive at the breakdown, smart in transition and ruthless when chances appeared.
What Made Ireland So Effective?
- They did not concede a single try across both matches
- Lane and Higgins repeatedly turned defence into attack
- Burns set the standard with leadership and decision-making
- The bench added energy without disrupting Ireland’s shape
That blend of defensive steel and attacking sharpness is exactly what coaches want at this stage of a tournament. It also gives this squad real momentum heading into a semi-final rematch with Germany, the side that beat them 19-5 in Hamburg.
What’s Next For Ireland?
Ireland now face Germany in Sunday’s Cup semi-final in Split, with a place in the final on the line. That previous Hamburg defeat adds an extra edge, and it gives this next contest genuine importance in the wider rugby ireland picture.
For readers who follow everything from gaa news and ireland football to athletics ireland and ireland sporting events 2026, this is another reminder that women’s rugby is producing some of the country’s most compelling performances. The next step is clear: back up this clinical form against Germany and turn a strong tournament into a title challenge.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
