Rathmines rising star Evan Moynihan admitted Ireland were blown away by England in the final game of the Six Nations Under-18s Festival.

Ireland went into the concluding game of the three-round tournament unbeaten but were soundly beaten by England, who ran in nine tries in a 56-14 victory.

Centre Moynihan, 17, says there was little his side could do in the face of an England side who delivered a near-perfect performance at Energia Park.

“I thought we had prepared well during the week, we had two strong enough wins against the Scots and Wales but we knew this was effectively our Championship game,” said the St Mary’s College student.

“We went after it but fair play to England, they played some brilliant rugby and are a top side, which we knew they would be and they fully deserved their win.

“I thought they brought a real tempo to the game and I think we struggled with that at first. They had big ball carriers coming at serious speed and they were really well organised, so well done to them.”

England came flying out the traps to lead 25-7 after half an hour, with Todd Lawlor’s superb assist for Paidi Farrell a high point on an otherwise difficult afternoon for Ireland.

They did however fight until the bitter end, with Bryan Walsh grabbing a late consolation leaving skipper Moynihan delighted with his side’s resolve.

“We never say die and when the result wasn't going our way we regrouped, took a breath and we said let’s forget about the scoreline,” he said.

“We’re a proud country with a lot of proud boys and the boys showed a hunger which we can build on.”

Moynihan, who is on the books at all-conquering Leinster, is now hoping to make the step up to the Under-20s, who like Ireland’s senior side, claimed a stunning Grand Slam in March.

Moynihan hopes he and his Under-18s colleagues can stay together and achieve great things for Ireland, having formed such a close bond during the tournament in Dublin.

“It’s a massive honour to captain the team as they are a brilliant group of boys,” he added.

“We said that everyone is your own leader so when I’m in that changing room there is very little to do.

“We have a really strong core group of leaders who have been really well brought up and come from great schools. It was a great experience and something I will remember for the rest of my life.”

“I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity given to me by the coaches and I’m really thankful to have done it.”

The Six Nations Under-18 Festivals are a vital development platform for future starts of the men’s and women’s game, extending to match officials and coaches. To find out more, visit: www.sixnationsrugby.com