It was a mixed bag for Ireland Women as they recorded a win, draw and loss on the opening day of the third round of the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in Las Vegas. 

However, they have achieved their goal of a place in the Cup quarter finals where they will face a re-match with USA Women this afternoon. Kick off 17:28. UK/Ire. Depending on the outcome they will face either New Zealand or Russia in the next round. 

Ireland opened up their campaign in spectacular fashion with a win against hosts USA in the first match of the tournament. Ireland’s tries  came from Stacey Flood and Amee Murphy Crowe who grabbead a brace each. Lucy Mulhall added two vital conversions which kept their noses in front in the 21 – 24 win. 

Next up Ireland faced the resurgent Fiji Women who had a score to settle having lost to Ireland in the second round in Australia. Unfortunately, the Fijians settled the score with something to spare, Stacey Flood the only try scorer for Ireland in a 31 – 5 loss. 

This left Ireland needing a result against Spain in their final pool match if they were to be sure to progress further. Despite a poor match at the end of a long day Ireland Women did enough with tries from Megan Williams and Alison Miller at the end of each half, both converted by Mulhall, sufficient to give Ireland a 14 all draw against Spain. 

Significant progress for Ireland Women as they have reached the Cup proper for the second round in succession, though a late injury to Miller may reduce their chances of progressing further.  

Ireland Women Sevens: Ashleigh Baxter, Claire Keohane, Katie Fitzhenry, Stacey Flood, Alison Miller, Lucy Mulhall, Amee Murphy Crowe, Sene Naoupu, Audrey O’Flynn, Hannah Tyrrell, Susan Vaughan, Megan Williams.