Reigning champions Munster got their Interprovincial Series defence underway with victory on the first day of action in Ireland.
Domestic competition ruled the weekend, as the Premier 15s, Tennant’s Premiership and Elite 1 Feminine all saw action.
Montpellier jumped to the top of the table in their Elite 1 Feminine pool with victory over Stade Bordelais whilst Stirling continued their dominant run in form.
Munster start their title defence in style
Niamh Briggs’ team cruised to a 34-0 bonus point win over Ulster as Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird shone in a Player of the Match performance, switching from No.8 to hooker for the second half.
Paired with Dorothy Wall and Maeve Óg O’Leary in the backrow, Munster were too much to overcome for the visitors who left Musgrave Park scoreless.
Two-time Six Nations winner Jenny Murphy led Leinster to a 38-10 victory over Connacht on the other side of the Interpros.
With a breakthrough try by Ella Roberts on 33 minutes, Leinster were able to breach through Connacht’s defence and get their season off to a strong start at Energia Park.
Murphy had the final say, her double coming late on in a second-half battle that saw Connacht’s Orla Dixon grab one for her side.
Saracens steal the show at the StoneX
Saracens powered to an emphatic 89-0 victory over DMP Sharks at the StoneX Stadium in the Allianz Premier 15s.
Alex Austerberry’s side overcame tough conditions to perform at their ruthless best, England international Holly Aitchison crossing the whitewash on two occasions, a tally matched by May Campbell.
Loughborough Lightning welcomed Wasps to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens and produced an exciting 62-5 victory.
Wales international Carys Williams-Morris scored a first-half double whilst Bryony Field notched a hat-trick from the back of Loughborough’s dominant maul.
Meanwhile Gloucester-Hartpury stay top of the table thanks to a 52-5 win over Worcester Warriors with Ireland hooker Neve Jones and Wales youngster Sisilia Tuipulotu both got on the scoresheet.
Montpellier take the reigns
Montpellier won the battle of the undefeated in Bordeaux as they clinched a 16-14 victory over Stade Bordelais in France’s Elite 1 Feminine Poule 1.
Six Nations Under-18s Festival star Anna Macipe was named Player of the Match as Montpellier leapfrogged their opposition and now sit top of the table on 12 points.
In Poule 2, last year’s runners-up Blagnac remain the team to beat with a 25-0 win over AC Bobigny, France tighthead Clara Joyeux on the scoresheet in their comfortable success.
ASM Romagnat started their 2023 in style with an incredible 21-19 victory over Lyon, Marie Kill and Livia Girard crossing early to hold onto their lead.
Stirling continue their strong run in form
In the Tennant’s Women’s Premiership, Stirling cemented their position as number one with a 19-15 victory over Corstorphine.
The win sees Stirling continue their fine form and head into the playoffs on top.
Garioch were unable to secure their first win of the season in a 64-5 defeat to Heriot Blues Women, securing the Blues a spot in the play-offs sitting fourth in the table.
