1
Ireland qualify for 2025 World Cup and WXV 1 with win over Scotland
By PA
Ireland finished third in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations after they twice came from behind to narrowly beat Scotland 15-12 and secure their qualification for the 2025 World Cup.
Scotland hit the front with the only try of the first half when Elis Martin crossed the whitewash to give them a 5-0 lead at the interval.
It took Ireland just one minute of the second half to draw level when Katie Corrigan dotted down in the corner, but Scotland restored their advantage in the 50th minute as Lisa Thomson broke the line and Helen Nelson added the extras to give them a seven-point lead.
With 20 minutes to go, Ireland were on level terms once again following a rolling maul, Cliodhna Moloney barged over the line and Dannah O’Brien successfully kicked the conversion to make it 12-12.
Both teams went in search of a winning score and Ireland got the opportunity when Aoife Wafer helped earn a penalty, with O’Brien making no mistake in slotting over the three points to put her side in front for the first time.
Scotland had a chance to nick it at the end after a scrum penalty then gave Scotland territory with less than five minutes to go, but Ireland stood firm despite Beibhinn Parsons being sent to the sin bin late on.
After failing to qualify for the last Rugby World Cup and finishing sixth in last year’s Women’s Six Nations, the result is hugely significant for Irish women’s rugby.
They will play in WXV 1 for the first time, joining England, France, and three teams from the upcoming Pacific Four Series in Canada this September. In 2023 they won WXV 3 in Dubai with victories over Kazakhstan, Colombia, and Spain.
Last year’s WXV 2 winners Scotland will return to the second level in South Africa this autumn alongside Italy, the winner of the playoff between Wales (Women’s Six Nations sixth place) and Spain (Rugby Europe Championship winners), the fourth-placed team at the Pacific Four Series, winner of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, and Asia Women’s Championship winner.
For Scotland, there is still a chance to qualify for RWC2025 as the highest-finishing six teams from WXV who are yet to secure a RWC place will qualify.
Italy, who lost to Wales earlier in the, finish the 2024 Women’s Six Nations in fifth place while Scotland finish their campaign in fourth.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is coming to England. Register now here to be the first to hear about tickets.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
The Springboks have something you don't have
3
What Noah Lolesio said about Finn Russell before Scotland showdown
4
'I don't think Borthwick picks Willis even if he's playing in England'
5
Latest Comments
Excellent year. I have enjoyed the Pumas with every match they played. They are truly one of the top tier nations and with more growth they will push hard for top 3 world ranking. They are just a bit up and down like the French team of old.
Go to commentsFunny that I read this after watching last night's game where Matera packed down at openside every signle time. Jaguares also used to play with OS/BS flankers when he was with them. Of course, if he's at 8 or not involved, Pumas could do it the French way and put, let's say, Kremer on the right and Golzalez on the left. You're correct about Matera's tenure at Crusaders where he was mainly used at blindside but also at #8 on occasion as far as I remember. He has the frame and skillset to play whichever back row position he's put at, much like Ardie or Jack Willis or Pocock.
Go to comments