AcademySix Nations Round-Up
England U20s and England Women in Grand Slam glory
Bristol representatives were in action for the final round of the Six Nations as England U20s and England Women secured Grand Slams with convincing victories against Ireland last weekend.
An England U20s side featuring Mako Vunipola recorded a comprehensive six-try 41-15 victory at Athlone with Charlie Matthews, Ryan Mills, Matt Kvesic and captain Alex Gray among the scorers. Mako Vunipola was a thorn in the Irish side all day, and it was his explosive first-half break that set up the opening score for lock Matthews who dived over in the corner.
Meanwhile, England Women put the heartache of losing the Rugby World Cup Final behind them with a record-breaking sixth successive RBS 6 Nations title with a 31-0 defeat of Ireland at Ashbourne RFC.
Gary Street’s side conceded just eight points during the entire tournament. World Cup captain Catherine Spcncer, Sophie Hemming and Kimberley Oliver all featured for England, with Hemming barging over for her first international try. Claire Molloy and Gillian Bourke performed impressively for the visitors as Ireland fought hard against very difficult opposition.
England Head Coach Gary Street said: "Obviously I am absolutely delighted with this result, but most importantly the effort from the players. After the world cup there could have been a hangover but it is an absolute credit to the girls the way they have come back and put the work in on and off the field. We have challenged the players this season, we wanted them to get even better and move on from last term and they have done exactly that.”
You can view the video highlights of England's win, courtesy of the BBC, by clicking the link.
