Ireland 42-14 Japan: ‘I’d a tear in my eye’ – Fiona Tuite on World Cup debut

Ireland’s Fiona Tuite admits she had a “tear in my eye” in the moments before making her long-awaited Women’s Rugby World Cup debut for Ireland.

Ulster forward Tuite scored a try to help Ireland secure a 42-14 win over Japan at Franklin’s Gardens in their first World Cup game in eight years.

Tuite, 28, said making her World Cup debut was “incredible” but she was “incredibly nervous” the morning of the game.

“We got here, had a walk out and I looked up into the stands, saw some familiar faces and just said ‘smile Fiona, take it all in’,” she said.

“It was genuinely lovely, I had a tear in my eye during the anthem and just said this is so special, it’s something we’ve been building for for eight years.

“It’s something I’ve wanted my whole life.

“It was honestly amazing, I was so proud.”

Ireland are back in action in Pool C on Sunday against Spain and Tuite says they will be a “different challenge” than Japan.

“Spain are really quick and it was tough when we played them in WXV3,” said Tuite.

“It’s really important to enjoy these wins and then we’ll look forward to the challenge that Spain will bring.”