Wales U20s beaten by Ireland in Summer Series opener

Wales' Chiara Pearce takes on Niamh Gallagher of Ireland in the Six Nations Summer Series game at Ystrad Mynach

Wales Under-20s were beaten 27-10 by Ireland in their opening game of the Six Nations Summer Series in Ystrad Mynach.

Sophie Barrett and Robyn O'Connor crossed for Ireland before Savannah Picton-Powell scored a well worked try for Wales.

Ireland had a try ruled out at the end of the first half but went in at the break leading 10-5.

Wing Hannah Clarke extended Ireland's lead but Wales hit back with Seren Singleton finishing off another impressive move.

But despite Wales' defensive efforts tries from back row Jemima Adams Verling and replacement Ellie O'Sullivan Sexton sealed victory for Ireland.

Earlier France beat Italy 46-5 in the opening game of The Six Nations Summer Series, which is being held at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach.

Wales' next games will be against Scotland on Friday, 11 July (18:00 BST) and Italy on Thursday, 17 July (15:30 BST).

Line-ups

Wales: Hannah Lane, Seren Singleton, Savannah Picton-Powell, Freya Bell, Nia Fajeyisan, Carys Hughes, Sian Jones; Stella Orrin, Molly Wakely, Elan Jones, Robyn Davies, Lily Terry, Branwen Metcalfe (Captain), Lottie Buffery-Latham, Gwennan Hopkins

Replacements: Rosie Carr, Dali Hopkins, Evie Hill, Chiara Pearce, Jorja Aiono, Ffion Williams, Hanna Tudor, Mollie Wilkinson

Ireland: Niamh Gallagher, Hannah Clarke, Lyndsay Clarke, Tara O'Neill, Robyn O'Connor, Caitríona Finn, Jade Gaffney; Ella Burns, Beth Buttimer, Sophie Barrett, Jane Neill (Captain), Aoibhe O'Flynn, Poppy Garvey, Aoife Corcoran, Jemima Adams Verling

Replacements: Maebh Clenaghan, Saoirse Crowe, Lily Morris, Alma Atagamen, Rosie Searle, Emily Foley, Ellie O'Sullivan Sexton, Clara Dunne