Ireland achieved its highest Women's Rugby World Cup score after putting down Japan 42-14 in Northampton on Sunday. The Irish scored six converted tries to pass their previous World Cup high of 40-5 against Kazakhstan in 2014.

Eve Higgins pounced with the key try as Ireland emerged from a test of character to launch their World Cup with a 42-14 victory over Japan. Japan, positioned six places below their opponents in the global rankings in 11th place, were in the midst of an swashbuckling fightback at Franklin’s Gardens as they battled to overturn a 28-14 deficit.

Red-hot trophy favorite England has launched its home bid for the Women’s Rugby World Cup crown by thrashing the United States 69-7 in front of a record-sized crowd in Sunderland