Tierney and Ireland out

IRELAND’S dismal Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign came to an underwhelming end in Belfast yesterday, with head coach Tom Tierney stepping down after a 27-17 defeat to Wales in the seventhplace play-off.

Tierney’s tenure was always likely to end regardless of the result, with early tournament wins over Australia and Japan followed by disappointing losses to France and the Wallaroos.

Ireland had moved into an early 7-0 lead thanks to a Paula Fitzpatrick try, but Wales clawed their way back to lead 10-7 at half-time.

Wales kicked on after the break as a flat Ireland put some respectability on the score with tries from Lindsay Peat and Katie Fitzhenry.