In sport, few things sting more than coming second. 2024 saw second place for France and Ireland in two of rugby's biggest women's competitions. One performance, one moment - sometimes that’s all it takes to turn glory into heartbreak. Now, there is a new chapter to write.
France were relentless through the W6N Championship, storming forward with an unbeaten run and eyeing a Grand Slam. Until they met England. One half - forty minutes they’d love to replay - that was all it took to end the dream.
Then came Ireland. A team rebuilding. A team rising. A team finding its rhythm. Their first appearance in WXV 1, and they made it count - toppling the World Champions, New Zealand, in a historic victory. But against the Canadian hosts, it proved a step too far.
For both sides, finishing second lit a fire. A reminder of what's within reach. But to take that final step - to go one better in the Women’s Six Nations - they’ll have to beat each other. They’ll have to win today.
#GuinnessW6N | #...