Wales secure bonus-point win over Ireland in front of record crowd for Women's Six Nations opener

A record-breaking crowd of 4,962 cheered on the hosts at the Cardiff Arms Park Credit: PA

Wales started their TikTok Six Nations campaign with a dominant 31-5 victory against Ireland at the Cardiff Arms Park in front of a crowd of 4,962, breaking the record for a standalone women's rugby international in Wales.

The hosts secured the bonus point in a ruthless first-half performance where they scored four tries and, despite an improved display after the break, Ireland was unable to find any way back into the game.

Wales took the lead in the fourth minute as a good drive from the maul saw Alex Callender touch down in the corner, but they suffered a blow when Gwen Crabb was taken off with injury minutes later.

The Irish had come to Cardiff looking for revenge after losing in Dublin last year Credit: PA

Scrum-half Keira Bevan added another try in the 14th minute, breaking forward through a gap, and the driving maul proved effective again for the Welsh as replacement Sioned Harries crossed in the 23rd minute.

The team added a fourth just before the break when a smart move allowed Kerin Lake to burst through the Irish defence and hand the ball off to captain Hannah Jones who touched down underneath the posts.

After having a try chalked off at the start of the half, prop Sisilia Tuipulotu showed great strength to power over the line in the 46th minute and Ireland earned a consolation in the 65th minute when captain Nichola Fryday went over from close range.

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