Ireland captain Erin King insists “we always want to leave the green jersey in a better place than we found it” after marking their historic first standalone women’s Test match at the Aviva Stadium with a 54-5 Six Nations win over Scotland.

A crowd of 31,294 spectators watched on in Dublin as Brittany Hogan and Aoife Wafer braces, alongside Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald, Robyn O'Connor, King and Stacey Flood tries, ensured Ireland could celebrate a landmark day in style.

The result means Scott Bemand’s side finished third in the Six Nations – they won all three home matches and suffered away defeats against England and France – but Sunday was about far more than just a scoreline for skipper King.

"From the first team back in 1993 and every women since, we always want to leave the green jersey in a better place than we found it,” King told BBC Sport NI. “I want to thank every person who has supported us today and throughout the campaign...I am so proud to lead this team.”

placeholder image — Ireland captain Erin King. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Bemand is determined to continue building on what he labelled as a “special day” and has his sights set on further progression.

"The first half was the best version of us and we were excellent,” said Bemand. “Scotland made things more difficult for us in the second half but we showed what we are made of today.

“We talk a lot of momentum and we have done that this year and we are looking forward to the Global Series in the summer to keep building.

“Today was a special day to play in front of such a big crowd and next year we want to get closer to England and France.

"We want to keep building for the grassroots game in Ireland too.”