Ireland's outstanding fixtures for 2020, one in the Six Nations against France, as well as RWC qualifiers, will not now take place this year as World Rugby, Rugby Europe and Six Nations decided to cancel and postpone the remainder of the year's games.
The clash with the French was one of three that had yet to take place, along with Italy v Scotland and Wales v Scotland, but Six Nations Rugby says it has taken the "difficult decision" not to proceed given restrictions in place due to Covid-19.
The table for the 2020 Championship will remain as it stands with England already crowned Grand Slam winners having played and won all five of their matches, finishing with victory over Italy in Rome a week ago.
Ireland enjoyed three wins from four before what would have been their concluding fixture.
Originally fixed away, France agreed to travel to Donnybrook to fulfill the fixture as Ireland's amateur players would have had to quarantine for 14 days on their return home. However the game was postponed after a Covid-19 outbreak in the French camp.
The Six Nations said restrictions affecting squad preparations, travel, and the inability to stage matches due to the sport’s amateur status have made the successful completion of the championship "impossible".
"This was an extremely tough decision that was only taken after we had explored every possible option to get these matches played," Ben Morel, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, said:
"It is especially disappointing that these cancellations come at a time when there is such positive momentum around the women's game and for the Women's Six Nations in particular.
"We will now, with our Unions, put our focus and energy toward the 2021 Championship."
Elsewhere, Ireland were due to play qualifiers for the 2021 Rugby World Cup next month, but they're now pushed back into next year.
IRFU Director of Women's Rugby, Anthony Eddy said: "Covid-19 has been disruptive for so many people, and from the start of the pandemic we set out to be flexible and dynamic in our response to ever changing circumstances.
"The squad has been positive through all of this and will continue to work hard to improve. We have been focusing on the qualifiers for well over a year now and that will not change.
"The group achieved three home Six Nations wins in 2020 which is an excellent outcome, and this additional time will allow more preparation in qualifying for the 2021 World Cup.
"The squad has a busy schedule and our plan will slightly change – they will regroup and competition for spots will intensify as we all focus on preparation for 2021."
The RWC draw is set to take place on Friday week, 20 November, in Auckland.
