skip to main content

Ireland hammer Spain to set up qualfiying decider against Russia

The Irish rugby league team are just one win away from the World Cup
The Irish rugby league team are just one win away from the World Cup

Ireland comfortably won their opening 2017 Rugby League World Cup qualifier against Spain in Valencia on Saturday, outscoring their opponents by nine tries to one in a 46-6 victory.

The Woflhounds never looked back after Alan McMahon and Oliver Roberts scored early tries and they were 22-0 up at the break.

The result means Spain can no longer qualify following their opening 40-6 defeat by Russia, while Ireland need only a draw against the Russians in Bray next Saturday to book their trip to Australia and New Zealand next autumn.

The loser at the Carlisle Grounds will have a second chance to qualify through an elimination play-off at Leigh in November.

Read Next