The Ireland national rugby team won their first RBS 6 Nations title since 2009 on Saturday night with an exciting 22-20 win over France in Paris. The championship was the 12th tournament win for the boys in green going back to the old Home Nations competition.
The Irish completed their remarkable run to the championship just in time for Monday’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world with just one loss in the five matches that they played in the 2014 RBS 6 Nations. Their win at the Stade de France was also their first in France since 1972.
Ireland, England and France all had a chance at taking home the 6 Nations title heading into Saturday’s round of matches. England’s expected demolition of Italy meant that the Irish had to win against a team that has traditionally had the better of them. However, after trailing 13-12 at the half the Irish managed to take the lead and withstand a furious French barrage at the end of the game that saw the French denied a win with a minute left because of a forward pass.
O’Driscoll salutes the crowd as he leaves the pitch for final time.
The 2014 RBS 6 Nations final also marked the end of a fifteen year national team career for Brian O’Driscoll. adidas made a custom rugby cleat for the special occasion. The outside center played his 133rd Test for Ireland and 141st in total during the win.
Here is a rundown of Ireland’s run to the cup:
Sun 2 Feb 15:00 IRELAND 28 – 6 SCOTLAND
Sat 8 Feb 14:30 IRELAND 26 – 3 WALES
Sat 22 Feb 16:00 ENGLAND 13 – 10 IRELAND
Sat 8 Mar 14:30 IRELAND 46 – 7 ITALY
Sat 15 Mar 18:00 FRANCE 20 – 22 IRELAND
Get in the Gear of the Ireland national team at World Rugby Shop. All of the items will be collectibles given the team’s accomplishment and the fact that they will switch technical sponsors from Puma to Canterbury later this year.
Ireland 13/14 Home Supporters LS Rugby Jersey
Ireland Pro 2014 Alternate Rugby Jersey
