Conroy helps Ireland to memorable bronze at World Cup Sevens

Tullamore's Jordan Conroy played a key role as the Irish Sevens team secured a memorable bronze medal success at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in South Africa.

The Buccaneers club man, who is a former Athlone IT student, was part of a team which recorded wins over Portugal, England, hosts South Africa, and Australia at the weekend.

The result has been described as Irish Sevens Rugby’s best ever achievement.

Conroy was a used sub in the campaign opener, a 24-0 win against Portugal, and he then started in the wins against England and South Africa, and in a defeat against New Zealand, before coming off the bench in the Bronze Final against Australia.

The win against the hosts was particularly memorable for Conroy, who scored two tries during a 24 points to 14 victory in Cape Town Stadium.

Meanwhile, Ballinasloe native Beibhinn Parsons featured for the Ireland Women's squad which secured a seventh place finish at the Rugby World Cup Sevens, following a win over England in their final outing in Cape Town.

Parsons, who plays her club rugby for Blackrock College, scored a try in Ireland's win against Brazil, which was followed by defeats against New Zealand and Fiji. The campaign then ended on a positive note, with the 26-10 win against England.