Munster are back in the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship final.
The defending champions made sure of it with a 62-0 win over Ulster at Virgin Media Park, their second bonus-point victory in as many rounds and a statement performance before the final round of league fixtures.
The 2026 Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Series is being played across four rounds in August, with the provinces battling for the title once again. Round two had Munster hosting Ulster and Leinster facing Connacht, fixtures confirmed earlier in the summer by Irish Rugby.
Munster’s win was as one-sided as the scoreline suggests. They led 31-0 at half-time and finished with 10 tries, with Beth Buttimer and player-of-the-match Clodagh O’Halloran both scoring twice. Chisom Ugwueru opened the scoring with a ninth-minute solo try, and Munster continued to stretch the game through Katie Corrigan, Emily Lane, Aoife Corey, Alana McInerney and Andrea Murphy.
Enya Breen added three conversions, with Caitríona Finn also landing three after coming off the bench.
For Ulster, the return of captain India Daley was a boost, but they struggled to slow Munster’s tempo. The visitors had moments of pressure, particularly through Sadhbh McGrath and Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan, but the lineout faltered at key moments and Munster’s maul defence held firm.
The result means Munster have already qualified for the August 29 final, with one round of fixtures still to play.
Behind them, the race remains live.
Leinster kept their own final hopes alive with a 36-21 win over Connacht at Energia Park. After getting nothing from their opening defeat to Munster, this was a match they had to win. They did, although Connacht made them work for it.
Debut tries from Stacey Flood and Niamh Murphy helped Leinster over the line, while Maggie Boylan scored twice. Hannah Wilson and Emma Tilly also crossed, with Dannah O’Brien kicking three conversions.
Connacht started sharply and led early through co-captain Aoibheann Reilly, whose sniping try was converted by Méabh Deely. Reilly scored again before half-time, keeping Connacht within three points at the break after Leinster had moved 17-14 ahead.
The game remained alive deep into the second half. Flood’s try after 55 minutes gave Leinster breathing room, only for Stacy Hanley to force her way over for Connacht and bring the score back to 24-21 with just over 10 minutes remaining.
That was the moment Leinster had to respond. They did.
Boylan crossed in the corner after strong work from Linda Djougang and Ruth Campbell, before Eve Higgins helped release Murphy for the final try in stoppage time. Erin King, named Leinster’s player-of-the-match, was influential throughout.
The win moves Leinster ahead of Connacht in the table before the final round. Leinster can book a place in the final with a win away to Ulster next Saturday, while Connacht host Munster later that day.
That leaves the championship neatly poised. Munster have done their part early and look every inch the reigning champions. Leinster have recovered from their opening loss. Connacht, after beating Ulster in round one and pushing Leinster hard, are still close enough to matter.
The final round will decide who earns the right to meet Munster on August 29.
