Ireland Women’s Sevens team have had a particularly chastening day in the Women’s Sevens World Series in Kitakyushu, Japan.

The day started with a record breaking 45 – 0 defeat by Fiji in the opening round which was quickly followed by a 36 – 0 loss to Australia. The two results left Ireland needing a miracle to qualify for the Cup with their final match against Brazil with our girls needing to score 60+ points to progress. The main problem with this scenario being that Ireland had failed to trouble the scoreboard in the previous two matches.

As it was, Brazil took an early lead and poor handling from Ireland saw the South American side add two more unconverted tries before Amee Murphy Crowe pulled one back before the break.

An intercept try for Brazil wrapped the game up mid way through the second half before the teams swapped scores in the dying minutes. Final score Ireland 10 Brazil 27.

It’s a huge step back for Ireland, or more correctly, they appear have stayed static while the rest of the sides have improved. A truly dismal day.

Matches are still ongoing as I write this but it looks like it’ll be Ireland v Brazil again on Day 2 as they battle it out with Japan and Spain to be crowned best of the rest. Check back later for Day 2 Fixtures.

Day 2 Fixtures

It’s now confirmed. Ireland qualify in last place and will face Brazil again in the semi final of the Challenge Cup in Day 2, kick off 03:58 UK/IRE.

The winner and loser will face the winner and loser respectively of the other Challenge Cup semi final between Spain and Japan.