Ireland vs England LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Ireland seal grand slam after Freddie Steward red card in Six Nations 2023

“One of the best nights of our careers. We spoke about the opportunity this week about the chance to win a Grand Slam in Dublin it in front of our home fans. It was all about attacking the occasion. We didn’t get it right in the first half but we stuck at it and eventually found a way.

“There was a bit of a pressure but every game you play for Ireland there is pressure. We were a little bit off kilter in the first half, but we wanted to test ourselves and we are delighted to get a result at the end.

“These are the days that are special. It is really special. Johnny [Sexton]’s last Six Nations game today – what a servant he has been, an incredible player, an incredible person.”

England may have fallen short but there was some much-needed fight shown by Steve Borthwick’s side, perhaps giving the England head coach a little more confidence his team are heading in vaguely the right direction ahead of the autumn’s World Cup. The gap that needs to be closed is still massive, of course, but it wasn’t the thumping many feared.

It’s one of the most dominant Grand Slams in history, too – five sides beaten, all by a margin in double digits. That’s not to say Ireland weren’t tested, surviving significant first half rigours against France, Scotland and England, and a bit of a fright against Italy, but the best side in the world have proved exactly that across this Six Nations.

The Irish squad embrace, sharing great hugs and broad smiles in the ecstasy of Grand Slam triumph. They really had to work for it, and who knows what might have happened had the officials viewed Freddie Steward’s challenge differently, but you fancy that whatever the circumstances this brilliant Ireland side would have found a way.

For the fourth time in championship history, Ireland are Grand Slam champions.

Nothing doing at the maul, nor around the fringes, either. Owen Farrell is short of men to pass to, forced to throw to Henry Slade on the blindside, who is caught a little off-guard and behind the gainline by Conor Murray.

A pass flies errant, and Ireland rush through after Manu Tuilagi. Knocked on by Irish hands – it matters not. IRELAND HAVE WON THE GRAND SLAM!

One last shot for England as a high tackle allows Owen Farrell to find the left corner. Jamie George will throw the lineout.

A converted England score would earn the visitors a losing bonus point, which they would probably merit after a battling performance. You have to wonder where this sort of fight was against France.

Into the final minute. Andy Farrell can barely hide his own grin in the coaches’ box, and Robbie Henshaw is biting his lip, too. A special moment for all involved – forget the red card today, this has been an outstanding campaign through which Ireland have been consistently the best side by a distance.

The replacement hooker clinches it!

Dublin, get ready to celebrate. Rob Herring produces the broadest of smiles as he spots England short of defenders on the blindside as the Irish maul begins to form.

A pair of backs might have been a touch unhappy with Herring had he not been able to reach for the line, the hooker eschewing his support to go it alone but able to place cleanly down. That’s the bonus point score, too.