The weather might have turned cloudy, but there was no dampening down the cries of Come On You Girls in Green at Virgin Media Park in Cork on Saturday.

A hungry Irish woman’s side set out to be a thorn in the side of the English roses as arguably the most anticipated match of the Six Nations unfolded in spectacular style.

Leading the pack once again as Captain was the indefatigable Amee-Leigh Costigan but a win was not to be for the Irish girls as they were defeated five – 49.

12 April 2025; Stacey Flood of Ireland is tackled by Maud Muir of England during the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England at Virgin Media Park in Cork. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile12 April 2025; Stacey Flood of Ireland is tackled by Maud Muir of England during the Women’s Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England at Virgin Media Park in Cork. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile

The team for Saturday’s game also included Eve Higgins, Dannah O’Brien, Neve Jones, Fiona Tuite and Aoife Wafer.

Ahead of kick-off, the IRFU put a call out to fans to come along and support the home side, and the crowd did not disappoint.

Communications Director, Aoife Clarke, said: ‘We are appealing to all Irish Rugby fans to get out and support the women’s team this Saturday in Virgin Media Park.

12 April 2025; Dorothy Wall of Ireland wins possession in the lineout against Zoe Aldcroft of England during the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England at Virgin Media Park in Cork. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile12 April 2025; Dorothy Wall of Ireland wins possession in the lineout against Zoe Aldcroft of England during the Women’s Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England Photo: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

‘This team has been on a phenomenal trajectory in the past 12 months, going from finishing last in the 2023 Six Nations to finishing 3rd last year and then going on to beat World Champions New Zealand last October. They deserve nothing less than a packed-out stadium.’

Going into the game, the Irish side was also on a high, having crushed Italy’s tournament hopes with a 54 /12 win in March.

12 April 2025; Aoife Dalton and Niamh O’Dowd of Ireland after the Women's Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England at Virgin Media Park in Cork. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile12 April 2025; Aoife Dalton and Niamh O’Dowd of Ireland after the Women’s Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England at Virgin Media Park in Cork. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile

After a heavy defeat by the English side, the Irish girls embraced each other, showing their fellow teammates support.

On April 20 the girls in green will return to the pitch to take on Wales.