World Rugby Sevens Series: Ireland women win historic first gold in Perth

Ireland women’s Sevens claimed a first World Series win, beating hosts Australia 19-14 in the final in Perth.

Eve Higgins then dotted down a decisive 13th-minute try as Ireland held on to clinch gold.

They are the first side from the IRFU Sevens Programme to win a World Series title.

Great Britain’s women took bronze after defeating the United States 24-10.

Ireland also won bronze in the men’s competition by beating Fiji 24-7.

Allan Temple-Jones’ side had lost to Australia in their only previous final appearance in Seville two years ago.

They went behind early to the hosts in the sweltering Perth heat, with Charlotte Caslick scoring the first try of the game on two minutes as Teagan Levi kicked the conversion.

Murphy Crowe levelled for Ireland two minutes later with Mulhall adding the extras with the conversion.

The captain, who had scored two tries during in the 31-7 semi-final win against Great Britain, then squeezed in a second Ireland try under the posts before again converting from the tee.

Levi’s breakaway try and subsequent conversion restored parity for Australia soon after the restart, but a well-worked third Irish try was enough to seal the win.

Beibhinn Parsons burst forward before replacement Aoibheann Reilly found Higgins on the left wing and she evaded the tackle of Isabella Nasser to score.

Mulhall missed the conversion, but Ireland saw out the victory as they continue their preparations for their maiden appearance at the Olympics in Paris this summer.

Mulhall said: “It means a lot and we’ve been on a long journey. This is massive for women’s Irish rugby; we’ll be sure to celebrate.”