Ireland Women Sevens had a mixed opening day in the Japanese leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series at Kitakyushu.

Ireland were placed in a competitive Pool C alongside the USA, England and Fiji with the Pool matches taking place in the early hours of this morning.

Ireland 31 Fiji 10

Ireland opened their campaign with a convincing win against Fiji. The team featured two Ulster players, Claire Boles and Team FRU player Brittany Hogan.

Ireland’s scores came from tries by Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe (3), Eve Higgins and Hannah Tyrrell with Lucy Mulhall adding three conversions. 

Ireland 0 England 31

A disappointing second round performance from Ireland Women. England completely dominated the breakdown leaving Ireland with nothing to show for their efforts.

USA 15 Ireland 12

Ireland had a much improved performance against the USA, the form team in Pool C. Their efforts saw then lead until the final minutes when a third try by the USA put them in the lead for the first time with seconds on the clock.

Ireland scores came from tries by Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe and Emily Lane with Lucy Mulhall converting one.

The results saw Ireland finish third in Pool C

However, it was just about enough to see them qualify for the Cup Quarterfinals, in eighth place, where they will face France at 3:36 am on Sunday morning.

IRELAND WOMEN’S SEVENS SQUAD

Claire Boles, Megan Burns, Aoife Doyle, Louise Galvin, Katie Heffernan, Eve Higgins, Brittany Hogan, Emily Lane, Anna McGann, Lucy Mulhall (c), Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird, Hannah Tyrrell.