Women’s Six Nations: ‘We will write our own story’ – Ireland coach McWilliams positive about new era

McWilliams was assistant coach when Ireland won the Grand Slam in 2013 and reached the 2014 World Cup semi-final, before spending time coaching in the United States.

“I was first involved in 2009 and 2010 but I remember my first training session in Navan with a frozen pitch. We came from a pretty interesting place to get to 2013 and 2014,” he explained.

“Once you have that mindset and are prepared to work hard. I would like to think we are similar to where we were previously. It is about just putting one step in front of another, learn and get better every day.”

McWilliams is fully focused on how the team perform on the pitch as his indicator for progress rather than looking back at previous successes.

“I have never thought about winning. That just looks after itself as my Dad says to me, I have to be true to myself and back my gut.

“2013 was great and that was a legacy and it is great they are part of what we are building but it is about this team now.

“I think we will write our own story and it starts on Saturday against Wales. Whatever happens on the field is just going to be a brilliant moment for them and their families.

“I haven’t really thought about results at all. It is not part of my mindset at all I just want to make sure we get our pillars right. It is not important to me, it really isn’t.”