Ireland win WXV3 title in Dubai as World Rugby's new women's initiative reaches climax

Edel McMahon and Sam Monaghan of Ireland lift the WXV trophy after beating Spain in the final at The Sevens Stadium, Dubai, on October 28, 2023 in Dubai, UAE. Getty

Sadhbh McGrath and Eimear Corri of Ireland celebrate with teammates following the team's victory over Spain. Getty

Amalia Argudo of Spain runs with the ball. Getty

Brittany Hogan of Ireland is tackled by Carmen Castellucci of Spain. Getty

Aoife Dalton of Ireland runs with the ball. Getty

Natasja Behan of Ireland is tackled by Ines Bueso-Inchausti and Beatriz Rivera of Spain. Getty

Aoife Dalton of Ireland is tackled by Ines Bueso-Inchausti and Zahia Perez of Spain. Getty

Neve Jones of Ireland is tackled. Getty

Sam Monaghan of Ireland is tackled by Ines Antolinez Fernandez and Amalia Argudo of Spain. Getty

Brittany Hogan of Ireland is tackled by Zahia Perez of Spain. Getty

On the other side of the Sevens precinct, Dubai Tigers maintained their 100 per cent start to the new domestic season as they beat Dubai Hurricanes. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Tigers claimed a bonus-point 35-20 success over the Hurricanes. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Canes' Lalaga Jope is tackled. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Tigers' Charlie Taylor breaks through the Canes defence. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai Hurricanes' Dubois Aaron is tacked by Dubai Tigers' Saki Naisau. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Canes' Tanimakatu Pio runs into the Tiger defence. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai Tigers' Saki Naisau scores a try. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai Hurri anes' Steenkamp Ruan gets the ball out of a maul. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai Tigers' Moli Schaumkel passes the ball. Chris Whiteoak / The National

As rugby’s two greatest rivals prepared to play for the sport’s biggest prize in France, World Rugby’s new initiative for the women’s game was reaching its climax in Dubai.

The sport's ruling body have restructured international competition for female players ahead of expanding the World Cup in 2025. A new three-tier competition, to be played annually, has been created to raise standards.

WXV consists of three divisions of six teams divided into two pools. The third-tier tournament was staged in Dubai over recent weeks.

Ireland became the inaugural champions of WXV3 when they beat Spain 15-13 in the final on Pitch 2 at The Sevens on Saturday evening.

The Irish were forced to come from 10-0 down to win it, with Grace Moore and Neve Jones providing the tries in the fightback.

On the other side of the Sevens precinct, Dubai Tigers maintained their 100 per cent start to the new domestic season as they beat Dubai Hurricanes.

The Tigers claimed a bonus-point 35-20 success over the Hurricanes. It was their third win of the campaign, and keeps them level on points with Bahrain – who beat Jebel Ali Dragons 31-12 – at the top of the West Asia Premiership.