Ireland’s women produced one of the standout performances in sports ireland this weekend, finishing the Rugby Europe Sevens Series with a title-winning display in Split. In a superb boost for ireland rugby and ireland women sports, James Topping’s side went unbeaten across six matches and signed off with an impressive 26-12 final victory over Poland.
The win marked only the second tournament title in the history of the Ireland Women’s Sevens programme on the Rugby Europe circuit. It also felt like a sharp response after a frustrating sixth-place finish in Hamburg, showing just how quickly this group can reset, improve and deliver when the stakes rise.
Sports Ireland boost as Ireland Women dominate in Split
This was not a smash-and-grab success. Ireland were the best team across the weekend. They scored 30 tries, conceded only four, and carried a control and sharpness that set them apart from the opening pool stages right through to the Cup final.
Pool wins over Czechia, Türkiye and France laid the foundation before the knockout rounds brought even more convincing rugby ireland performances:
- Quarter-final: Ireland 27-0 Portugal
- Semi-final: Ireland 22-0 Germany
- Final: Ireland 26-12 Poland
Eve Higgins was central to everything good about Ireland’s campaign. Her playmaking, running lines and calm execution earned her Player of the Tournament, and she also finished as Ireland’s top try scorer with five. Her return, alongside Emily Lane, Robyn O’Connor and Vicky Elmes Kinlan, gave the squad added authority and balance.
How the final was won
The story of the decider was Ireland’s fast start and clinical use of pressure. Poland came in as the overall series champions, but Ireland never allowed them to settle. A turnover penalty created the opening, and Alanna Fitzpatrick crashed over for the first try before adding a second after slick link play on the left.
At 14-0 up by half-time, Ireland had already taken command. They kept that momentum after the break with Alana McInerney finishing a flowing team move that began deep in their own half. Higgins then added a converted try of her own to stretch the lead to 26-0.
Poland rallied late with two tries, but by then the final was effectively decided. Ireland’s defensive work earlier in the day against Germany had also underlined the platform for this title run, with McInerney scoring twice in a 22-0 semi-final win and the Irish line never looking close to cracking.
Key performers in the title run
- Eve Higgins: Player of the Tournament and Ireland’s chief creative spark
- Alanna Fitzpatrick: two tries in the final and a major attacking threat throughout
- Alana McInerney: four tries across the tournament, including a big final score
- Megan Burns: strong captaincy and four tries over the weekend
Explore More: Latest ireland sports analysis, women’s sport features and ireland sports updates at Media Digest
What it means for ireland rugby next
Although Ireland finished third overall in the 2026 Rugby Europe Sevens Series standings behind Poland and France, this Split success gives the squad real momentum. More importantly, it showed the depth, pace and defensive bite available in the system when key players are fit and firing.
For fans following ireland sports headlines, ireland rugby fixtures and broader ireland sports results, this was an important reminder that the women’s sevens programme remains a serious force. The next step is consistency: turning one outstanding leg into a platform for bigger international targets.
In sports ireland terms, this was a weekend worth noticing. Ireland did not just win a final; they controlled a tournament, found form at the right time and gave ireland rugby another result that points to a promising future.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
