THE COUNTDOWN IS nearly over.

Ireland welcomes the world tomorrow, as the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup gets underway.

England and Spain face off in the opening fixture, while Tom Tierney’s side have to wait until evening time as their first challenge comes in the form of Australia [kick-off 7pm].

Of course, President Michael D Higgins was at hand tonight to present the captain Claire Molloy and the squad with their jerseys in UCD — and there were smiles all around as the final touches were applied before taking to rugby’s biggest stage.

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

President Higgins and Marie Louise Reilly. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

President Higgins and Eimear Considine. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

President Higgins and Nora Stapleton. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

President Higgins and captain Claire Molloy. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

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