UKAF first to qualify for semi-finals after commanding win over Irish Defence Forces

The UK Armed Forces are the first team to book their place in the 2025 International Defence Rugby Competition Semi-Final after beating the Irish Defence Forces in Basingstoke.

A 65-0 win means UKAF are safely through to the knock-out stage and will be keeping a close eye on the results from Pool B as they look to figure out their opponent.

A win against Zambia, who scored 90 points against Tonga earlier in the day, will confirm UKAF as Pool A winners on Monday.

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Against the Irish, a lightning start set the tone for Sarah Mitchelson's team as a try from Orla Proctor and two from Courtney Pursglove came within the first 17 minutes.

The hosts were relentless from there and led 31-0 at half-time thanks to further tries from Gemma Pearson and Lou Langton.

The second half was more of the same. Heidi Silcox and two more from Pursglove to take her tally to four tries meant a 46-point advantage.

With the win confirmed, UKAF players were now playing for places in later games, and both Sarah Batley and Bethan Dainton came off the bench to take their opportunities with powerful tries.

Pursglove completed the scoring with her fifth try late on in the game, and the Irish now have to beat Tonga on Monday to avoid failing to qualify for the knock-out stages and falling into the plate competition.