Former Ireland Grand Slam winning captain Fiona Coghlan believes Ireland's recent success in women's rugby helped clinch the hosting rights to the 2017 tournament.
Ireland were confirmed as the host nation today to cap off a successful period which saw the Irish team reach last year's World Cup semi-finals, beating New Zealand along the way.
There has also been success at Six Nations level with a Grand Slam in 2013 and a tournament win this year.
Speaking to Off The Ball's Dave McIntrye, Coghlan felt all of that success has contributed greatly to the successful bid.
"I don't think the IRFU would have been bidding unless we were as successful as we have been in the last number of years. So, first of all, the women's team were successful so the IRFU felt it was the ideal time to bid and likewise, I'm sure World Rugby would love a host country in the last four in order to ensure that the fans are there and that you've got ticket sales and it becomes an event and a spectacle for the host nation," she said.
