Ireland hammer Russia to clinch Rugby League World Cup qualification
Saturday 29 October 2016 21:34, UK
Ireland ensured there will be a full house of home nations at the 2017 World Cup with a 70-16 win over Russia in the final match of European qualifying Pool B in Bray.
Alan McMahon, one of five domestic players in Mark Aston's squad, and Huddersfield duo Scott Grix and Oliver Roberts all scored two tries apiece as Ireland secured their place alongside seeds England and Scotland and fellow qualifiers Wales at next year's tournament Down Under.
Centre Toby King, a member of the Warrington side beaten in the Super League Grand Final, scored a try on his debut, while long-serving stalwart Stuart Littler also got on the scoresheet in the final match of his career.
Russia have one more chance to secure the 14th and final place at the World Cup when they meet Italy in an elimination play-off at Leigh Sports Village on Friday.
