The IRFU has announced it has submitted a bid to host the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup.

Limerick had been touted as the venue but the tournament will now be split between Dublin and Belfast, with pool matches held at University College Dublin and the semis and finals staged at Queens University and Ulster’s Ravenhill ground.

On the announcement IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "Interest and participation in women's rugby continues to grow and building on this momentum we believe Ireland can deliver the best Women's Rugby World Cup to-date.

“We hope that the growing interest in women’s rugby in Ireland, world leading facilities at UCD, Queens University Sport, Kingspan Stadium and our internationally recognised reputation for being one of the world’s most welcoming nations will make an Irish bid the standout submission for the 2017 tournament.”