Ireland’s women have won a place in the next World Sevens Series.
The squad reached the final of the Dublin Sevens at UCD, which doubled as the qualification tournament for the prestigious season-long competition today, to claim one of two places on offer.
Victory over South Africa in the semi-final, who had yesterday beaten Ireland in the group stages, will see the hosts rub shoulders with the likes of England, Australia and New Zealand in events across the globe.
The team lost out to Japan in the decider but a final place was all that was necessary to see the Irish through to the World Sevens Series.
Ireland got off to a quick start against South Africa, with tries from Katie Fitzhenry, Jenny Murphy and Alison Miller building a 19-7 half-time lead.
A superb try from Lucy Mulhall, which saw her sprint through and collect her own kick to score under the posts, was enough to seal a 26-14 victory and a place in the final against Japan, who took the other World Series berth when they defeated the Netherlands 10-5.
Ireland had earlier beaten China 27-5 in the quarter-finals.
Japan took the title in the end, edging out the Irish girls on a scoreline of 13-12 but it was celebration time for both.
Congratulations @JRFURugby Champions of @WorldRugby #womens7s pic.twitter.com/RmTEjj0Ftw
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) August 23, 2015
12 Countries, 2 Days, 7s Heaven. Thanks for all the support at #womens7s An amazing weekend for Women's Rugby. pic.twitter.com/ziZ2MXrf8b
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) August 23, 2015
