Stormy conditions greeted the men, Ireland grinding out a win against a Netherlands side who showed plenty of promise but ultimately lacked the firepower to breach the Wolfhounds defence. Prop Daniel Lynch crossed early for the visitors with a strong run through the middle, skipper James Farrar adding the conversion.

The pouring rain showcased both sides defensive efforts, Stephen Cahill extending the Irish lead just before the break as the ball found its way out wide, but Farrar unable to convert in the howling gale.

Ireland started the second half strongly Oliver Whitford slicing through in the opening set and Lewis Wing going over out wide ten minutes later. Whitford added his second on the hour mark, stand off Farrar with the final word, converting his own try for ten points to seal a solid personal performance. 

Ireland men’s coach, Wayne Kerr, noted: “It was a great game, a proper armwrestle and a great result for us. All of our middles were awesome, but it was a really good team effort. We get back into the grind again now for Wales in November.”

“The effort was there and attitude on defence good,” said Netherlands men’s coach Dave Hunter. “It’s a good first hit out for the year, and given the coaching staff an idea of who is up for the task moving forward going into the game against Ukraine and then Euro B.”