Local duo help Irish women to World Rugby Sevens Series silver

Published: Sun 30 Jan 2022, 9:35 PM

Athlone’s Anna McGann and Ballinasloe’s Béibhinn Parsons were part of the Ireland Women’s Rugby Sevens squad who earned silver medals in on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament in Seville.

A gut-wrenching 17-12 Cup final defeat to Australia tonight failed to take the shine off a terrific three days for captain Lucy Mulhall and her team-mates, who put together wins over Poland, Brazil, Russia, Canada and a 29-0 semi final victory over England.

Parsons started all six matches over the weekend, while McGann saw action in the quarter final against Canada. Mullingar's Katie Heffernan was also a squad member.

Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe starred with nine tries – a tournament high – and a tremendous 29-0 semi-final victory over England saw Ireland reach their first ever World Series decider.

Australia had defeated them in their only previous semi-final appearance in Sydney three years ago, but a fast start saw well-taken tries from Béibhinn Parsons and Stacey Flood fire Ireland into a 12-0 lead.

Aiden McNulty’s side created other opportunities and defended stoutly through some breathless phases, only for the current World Series leaders to show their clinical edge.

Faith Nathan got them on the board before half-time, Dominique du Toit brought them level in the 12th minute, and then a late Irish scrum went awry and Nathan floored the girls in green with the decisive breakaway try.

It was Australia’s third title of the season, but Ireland, having absorbed the heartbreaking finish, were justifiably proud of their milestone achievement in Seville.

A real sign of their progress is that they now sit fifth in the World Series standings, having picked up 18 points for this weekend’s hard work.

IRELAND WOMEN’S SEVENS Squad in Seville

Kathy Baker (Blackrock College RFC)

Claire Boles (Railway Union RFC)

Stacey Flood (Railway Union RFC)

Katie Heffernan (Mullingar RFC/Railway Union RFC)

Eve Higgins (Railway Union RFC)

Brittany Hogan (Ballynahinch RFC/Old Belvedere RFC)

Erin King (Old Belvedere RFC)

Emily Lane (Blackrock College RFC)

Kate Farrell McCabe (Suttonians RFC)

Anna McGann (Railway Union RFC)