Ireland has clinched their fourth Six Nations Grand Slam with a 29-16 victory over England in Dublin.

The win gives the side a big boost, underlining their status as the world’s top-ranked team ahead of September’s World Cup in France.

England got to within one point of an upset with just 20 minutes to go, despite playing with just 14 men for the entire second half.

But late tries from Robbie Henshaw, Rob Herring and a second for man-of-the-match Dan Sheehan made sure of Ireland’s 15th championship and fifth since 2009.

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton said afterwards: “You couldn’t make it up – it’s like living in a dream.

“We didn’t play our best but bloody hell – what a team.

“What a group of coaches.

“To come here and get a win on St Patrick’s weekend, it’s unbelievable – what a day.”

Read more:
Nigel Owens ‘not surprised’ by alleged homophobic slurs made by former Welsh Rugby Union colleague
Levi Davis: ‘Disturbing’ issues with missing rugby player case, say Spanish police

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

England had been hoping to regain some pride after a record 53-10 defeat at the hands of France.

Captain Owen Farrell said on Saturday evening: “I thought we showed a tremendous amount of fight.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

“Obviously the game changed with the card [Freddie Steward was sent off on the stroke of half-time following an arm to the head of Hugo Keenan], but we still showed a huge amount of fight and stuck in it.

“We’ve built some foundations over the course of the Six Nations but clearly we want to be a better team.”

England finished the competition in fourth place, behind France in second and Scotland in third. Wales was fifth and it was another wooden spoon for Italy.

Related posts:

Police investigate soldier’s death during live firing training exercise in Wales Murder probe launched after death of ‘gentle’ teenager at South Wales takeaway Police forces deal with record number of football-related incidents after Euro 2020 final UK records 214 coronavirus-related deaths and 39,329 cases in latest 24-hour period ‘A danger to women and children’: Police searching for sex offender who escaped from prison Average UK petrol and diesel prices hit record high, new data shows David Cameron driving to Poland with nappies and first aid kits for Ukrainian refugees Met to appeal against ruling Sarah Everard vigil organisers’ rights were breached What is polio, have people in the UK been vaccinated against it and what’s the risk to the public? Body found in search for 23-year-old man who went missing after swimming in River Mersey Box of faeces left outside Tory MP’s office as police launch inquiry Three boys die after falling through icy lake in Solihull