Not in Fiona Coghlan’s wildest dreams did the Ireland captain believe a Triple Crown would be captured when first scooping up a rugby ball in 2001.

“No, no and even at the start of the season it wasn’t something we were focused on,” said Coghlan. “We just wanted to qualify for the World Cup, so it is brilliant to achieve this. We are definitely through based on the other results.”

Coghlan was speaking in the wake of Saturday’s 30-3 defeat of Scotland in Bonnyrigg, on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

“Yeah, it is absolutely huge. England have won it for the last number of years so to usurp them is brilliant. We are delighted but we still have loads to work to do before France.”

The World Cup takes place in Paris in August 2014 and while three consecutive wins leaves Ireland on course for this season’s Grand Slam, Coghlan and head coach Philip Doyle are preaching caution.

“We can’t underestimate France,” said Coghlan of the game at Ashbourne RFC on Friday, March 8th. “On their day, they can beat any team in the world. They can go from sublime to ridiculous in the same game. Thank God we have them at home.”

Still, Doyle’s squad are armed by so much more than hope and endeavour now.