John Kear’s Wales completed a remarkable turnaround with a comprehensive 30-4 win over Ireland in Bray to claim the 2015 European Championship.
Wooden-spoonists last season, Kear’s increasingly confident squad posted five tries to defeat their rivals for the crown and remain undefeated this time.
“Our goal-line defence in this tournament has been absolutely outstanding and that’s what has won us the European Championship,” said Kear.
“We were under the cosh in every game but we showed great resolve, desire and work for each other to quell the tide. Only four tries conceded in three games is pretty outstanding.”