No surprise that Béibhinn Parsons is now Irish women’s rugby’s most prolific try scorer

In some respects, it’s a surprise that it took so long. Almost certainly it would have happened much sooner were it not for a couple of long-term injuries. In the event, Béibhinn Parsons could hardly have scripted the manner and circumstances in which she became the most prolific try scorer in the history of the Irish women’s team. And she’s still only 24.

Her typically opportunistic brace in Ireland’s 31-24 win over Japan in the WXV at the Dexcom Stadium took her tally in Test rugby to 24, eclipsing the record of another Connacht player and friend, Alison Miller. As well as the feat being achieved on home soil, both try assists came from another Connacht player, Anna McGann.