Summary

  • Ireland secure Six Nations title and fourth Grand Slam with emphatic win

  • Captain Johnny Sexton lifts trophy in final Six Nations game

  • Robbie Henshaw, Sheehan and Rob Herring score in second half

  • England's Freddie Steward sent off on stroke of half-time for dangerous tackle

  • Hooker Dan Sheehan gives Ireland narrow lead in tight first half

  • Jamie George goes over for England for consolation try

  • England finish fourth in standings with two wins from five

  1. Goodbyepublished at 20:04 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    So Ireland have won a fourth Grand Slam after beating England 29-16 in Dublin.

    Two early Owen Farrell penalties put England ahead before Ireland hit back with a well-worked Dan Sheehan try.

    England's hopes of an upset were dashed when Freddie Steward was sent off just before half-time.

    Robbie Henshaw and Rob Herring tries either side of Sheehan's second of the game ensured Ireland's first Grand Slam in five years, and first won in Dublin.

    That's all from us from another thrilling men's Six Nations. We'll be back with coverage of the women's tournament next weekend.

    Until then...

    SextonImage source, Getty Images
  2. Steward red card a 'farce' - Dawsonpublished at 20:00 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    Ireland's Grand Slam was under threat in the first half against England before the game turned in one moment.

    Freddie Steward was sent off just before half-time after his elbow made contact with Hugo Keenan's head.

    Keenan left the field for a head injury assessment, which he failed.

    Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson said: "The officials are showing a lack of understanding of the game.

    "I can't disagree with how the contact is a red but it is the context of how it went to that contact.

    "He is stepping and slowing and turning to get out of the contact area, and has been punished by being sent off. It is a mockery."

    Read more here.

    Freddie StewardImage source, Getty Images
  3. Six nations in briefpublished at 19:54 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    The 2023 Six Nations draws to a close with Ireland crowned as champions and Grand Slam winners.

    France lost their title but impressed with wins over Italy, Scotland, England and Wales.

    Scotland beat rivals England on the opening day but fell short in their games against the top two.

    England showed signs of promise under Steve Borthwick's guidance but they were humiliated by France, setting a new record for their biggest ever home defeat.

    Wales had issues on and off the field but beat Italy to avoid the Wooden Spoon, while the Azzurri played nicely but lost every game.

    Next up for all of these sides is the small matter of the World Cup in September...

  4. Postpublished at 19:46 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    A proud day for the Sexton family...

    SextonImage source, Getty Images
  5. The final tablepublished at 19:40 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    A Six Nations table showing: 1. Ireland P 5 W 5 D 0 L 0 PD 79 B 4 Pts 27; 2. France P 5 W 4 D 0 L 1 PD 59 B 4 Pts 20; 3. Scotland P 5 W 3 D 0 L 2 PD 20 B 3 Pts 15; 4. England P 5 W 2 D 0 L 3 PD -35 B 2 Pts 10; 5. Wales P 5 W 1 D 0 L 4 PD -63 B 2 Pts 6; 6. Italy P 5 W 0 D 0 L 5 PD -60 B 1 Pts 1Image source, BBC Sport
  6. Ireland's route to the Grand Slampublished at 19:36 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    4 February: Wales 10-34 Ireland

    11 February: Ireland 32-19 France

    25 February: Italy 20-34 Ireland

    12 March: Scotland 7-22 Ireland

    18 March: Ireland 29-16 England

    Ireland rugbyImage source, Getty Images
  7. 'It means so much' - Andy Farrellpublished at 19:32 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said on ITV: "It means so much to everyone here - to be able to do a St Patrick's weekend and win a Grand Slam is always going to be special.

    "It was squeaky bum time at 10-9. The pressure that France put on in the last couple of games, we knew it was win at all costs.

    "It was a proper old-fashioned Test match. We were disappointed with some aspects of our game but we've a bonus-point win. That's where we're at at the moment."

    On Johnny Sexton playing his final Six Nations game: "Hopefully there's bigger fish to fry for Johnny with the World Cup. It's unbelievable for him to have this moment and lift the trophy.

    "He wanted to lift it with someone else and I said he mustn't. He deserves it. What a way for him to go out of the Six Nations."

  8. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 19:29 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Tweet #bbcrugby or text 81111 or WhatsApp 03301231826

    Dave King: Disappointing end to a fantastic tournament. Fully deserved title by Ireland but sad not to see a proper contest after inconsistent decisions. First time feeling injustice for England as a Welsh fan.

    Jon Salinger: Congratulations Irish Rugby - well deserved Grand Slam winners. Now to keep the ball rolling for the World Cup

  9. 'We showed fight' - Owen Farrellpublished at 19:26 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    England captain Owen Farrell said on ITV: "First of all congratulations to Ireland. Winning a Grand Slam is special.

    "We showed a tremendous amount of fight. We probably gave too many penalties away in the first half which allowed Ireland in.

    "When we did get down there we came away with some points. We worked hard for each other and stuck in it. We looked like we caused them problems at some points.

    On Freddie Steward's red card: "It's not for me to have an opinion on. It seemed harsh to me. They made the rules for a reason, that's all I can say on it."

    On the World Cup, which starts in September: "We've got to go back to our clubs and work hard to become better players so that when we do get back we can be a better team.

    "The next time we come together we get a good amount of time together so we can work on building on what we want to build."

    Owen FarrellImage source, Getty Images
  10. Postpublished at 19:24 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    Gala Rizzatto's 'Freed from Desire' has become synonymous with huge sporting occasions and the disc jockey at the Aviva sticks it on again.

    The players are joined by their children on the field as they celebrate together on the field.

    Let's just say their rugby is better than some of the shapes they are throwing.

    I'm sure the party will continue long into the night...

  11. 'It is like living in a dream'published at 19:20 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    BBC Radio 5 Live

    Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Ireland's Johnny Sexton said: "You could not make this up, it is like living in a dream. We did not play our best but what a team. What a group of coaches.

    "We did nothing that they told us, in fact the exact opposite but we made things hard for ourselves.

    "England are a top class team. To get a win on St Patrick's weekend is unbelievable. We did not quite nail it, but we did enough.

    "It is the best tournament to play in, the best country to play for. We are so proud to be Irish. It does not feel like the end, there is plenty left in this team, we need to improve on today and we will be back."

  12. 'I cannot see anyone beating Ireland'published at 19:19 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    Matt Dawson
    Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 Live

    I'm proud of the way England fronted up but they gave away far too many penalties.

    Their ill discipline kept giving easy ball to Ireland. A good performance by England but the focus should be on this tremendous Irish side.

    I just cannot see anyone beating the Irish. They are head and shoulders ahead.

  13. The trophy liftpublished at 19:18 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    The moment all of Ireland has been waiting for...

    JOHNNY SEXTON BOWS OUT FROM THE SIX NATIONS WITH THE TROPHY IN HIS HANDS!

    IrelandImage source, Getty Images
  14. 'Special Irish group'published at 19:17 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    Jamie Heaslip
    Former Ireland number eight on BBC Radio 5 Live

    A great day for the Irish. They are a special group with a different mindset to the past. [They are] comfortable with being the number one in the world.

  15. Postpublished at 19:16 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    The celebrations are in full flow at the Aviva as the Ireland players collect their winners' medals.

    The stands are still packed and no one is leaving early.

    Irish flags flying everywhere.

  16. 'One of best nights of career' - Ryanpublished at 19:14 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    Ireland vice-captain James Ryan said on ITV: "[It's] one of the best nights of our careers today. We spoke about the opportunity to win a Grand Slam at home in front of the Irish people.

    "It's been a special week and it was all about delivering today. We didn't get it quite right in the first half but we stuck at it and eventually found a way.

    "There was a bit of pressure but every game you play for Ireland there's pressure. That's why it's so pleasing.

    "We want to test ourselves and be able to find a way. It's really special."

    James Ryan is tackledImage source, Getty Images
  17. 'A hugely special day'published at 19:10 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    BBC Radio 5 Live

    Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan said: "[It's] a hugely special day to win a Grand Slam in front of your own fans.

    "A Grand Slam is really special for this country, and I am really proud of all the boys. We have gone from strength to strength. We did not play our best game today but you have to learn how to win and there are exciting times ahead.

    "There are an exciting few months coming up, we will enjoy tonight and think ahead later on."

  18. Magnificent Irelandpublished at 19:08 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    • Ireland have won their fourth Grand Slam after 1948, 2009 and 2018, and a fifth Six Nations title after 2009, 2014, 2015 and 2018.
    • It is also their second Triple Crown in a row and their seventh in the Six Nations era, two more than any other nation.
    • They have set a new national record of eight straight Six Nations wins, surpassing the seven-game streak they set between 2004 and 2005.
    • Andy Farrell's side are on a national record run of 14 wins at home.
  19. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 19:05 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    Tweet #bbcrugby or text 81111

    The game (and 6 nations) has been influenced by poor decisions by the officials, shame it will have that doubt behind it.

    JG, Cornwall

    A great spectacle of a game ruined by a ridiculous decision and a referee who revels in decisions like this. Peyper really needs to hang his whistle up now!

    Nick, Bristol

  20. 'A great day for Irish rugby'published at 19:05 Greenwich Mean Time 18 March 2023

    FT: Ireland 29-16 England

    Tony Ward
    Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio Ulster

    It's a great day for Irish rugby. Our fourth ever Grand Slam win and richly deserved over the course of this championship.