Ireland record biggest ever win against Italy in the Six Nations

Ireland claimed their first Six Nations away win since 2021 against a deflated Italian side in Parma, with Anna McGann claiming a hat-trick as Ireland swept aside the Azurri 54-12 in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

The Irish last celebrated success on the road in the 2021 tournament and were coming off defeat to France in the opening round but put together a fine all-round performance as they ran in eight tries at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

McGann crossed twice in the first half and finished things up with another late score in the closing moments, while Dannah O’Brien slotted seven conversions in a near flawless kicking display.

Italy were up against it from the off, Valeria Fedrighi sent to the sin bin in the opening minutes after a high tackle, and Aoife Dalton was first to take advantage. The 21-year-old centre not only crossed the white wash but made numerous carries and tackles in an all round performance which saw her awarded player of the match.

McGann followed with her first two tries and Amee-Leigh Costigan also snuck through, while Sofia Stefan added the consolation for Italy in a half-time score of 28-5 to the visitors.

Ireland second row Linda Djougang got the scoreboard moving again in the second half as they banked another converted try but was then yellow carded for head contact.

Replacements Dorothy Wall and Brittany Hogan forced their way over as Ireland continued to pile up the points and although Beatrice Rigoni converted her own try to reduce the arrears, McGann sealed things with her third dash to the line.