SARRIES WOMEN SHINE FOR ENGLAND

Bryony Cleall scored a try on her England debut as Saracens Women starred on a brilliant night for the Red Roses against Ireland in the first match of the 2019 Six Nations.

Bryony’s twin sister Poppy, Sarah McKenna and Marlie Packer were all named in the starting XV, McKenna scoring the second try of the game with a powerful run into the right corner.

Having led 13-0 at the break, England ran riot in the second half with Zoe Harrison adding the sixth try after a trademark dummy and Bryony Cleall grabbing the eighth, powering over from close range to cap a memorable debut.  

Rosie Galligan also came off the bench in the second half for her first senior cap to help the Red Roses to a 51-7 victory.

Head coach Simon Middleton said: "Lots and lots to work on especially with our execution, but both defensively and offensively I thought we'd taken some of the stuff we've been working in training on, so really pleased with that."

"In the second half it was about getting some of the girls off the bench and into international rugby, and getting as many minutes into them as possible.

"We'll celebrate tonight for sure because it is a massive win for us, then tomorrow we'll recover and let everyone mentally switch off and we'll be back on it with all of our focus on France in Doncaster."

England's next Six Nations fixtures are: France (10 February), Wales (24 February), Italy (9 March) and Scotland (16 March).