Ireland blew a 19-point lead to suffer a 40-36 defeat against the United States in their opening WXV Global Series clash at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.

The hosts started strongly, racing to a 17-0 lead within the first 20 minutes thanks to tries from Vicky Elmes Kinlan and Dannah O'Brien. Despite trailing 24-12 at half-time after scores from Cliodhna Moloney-Mac Donald and Aoife Wafer, Ireland extended their advantage to 31-12 early in the second half.

However, the USA mounted a spirited comeback, with Freda Tafuna delivering a player-of-the-match performance. Tries from Kathryn Treder (twice), Hallie Taufoou, and Tafuna herself turned the tide. Tafuna's crucial score came while Kinlan was in the sin-bin, sealing the USA's first victory over Ireland since 2018.

Head coach Scott Bemand's side will face Japan next weekend at the Dexcom Stadium in their continued WXV Global Series campaign.