Ireland have clinched a historic fourth Grand Slam and a fifth Six Nations title after beating England 29-16 in Dublin.
Captain Johnny Sexton became the leading points scorer in men's Six Nations history as he led Ireland to victory in his final ever appearance in the competition. The 37-year-old is set to retire from the sport following the Rugby World Cup later this year and enjoyed a fairytale ending to his Six Nations career.
Ireland began the game knowing they needed a win after France secured a bonus-point victory over Wales that saw them go top of the table by a solitary point. However, Andy Farrell's men were not to be denied, with Dan Sheehan, Robbie Henshaw and Rob Herring scoring Ireland's three tries.
England, meanwhile, put in a much-improved performance after their humiliating 53-10 loss to France but were always fighting a losing battle after Freddie Steward was sent off late in the first-half. Steward was given a red card by referee Jaco Peyper after his elbow made contact with the head of Hugo Keenan as they both attempted to gather a loose ball.
The decision was a controversial one and completely changed the game, with Ireland holding a narrow 10-6 lead when he was dismissed. England World Cup winner Matt Dawson branded it an "utter farce" while on commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live:
"The officials are showing a lack of understanding of the game," he fumed. "I can't disagree with how the contact is a red but it is the context of how it went to that contact.
"He is stepping and slowing and turning to get out of the contact area, and has been punished by being sent off. It is a mockery. He was doing his utmost best to avoid any kind of contact. It is an utter farce."
Former Ireland fly-half Tony Ward also claimed Steward should not have been sent off, stating: "I'm very surprised at the colour of the card but I do think it merited a card as it was a tackle you cannot defend."
Despite losing Steward on the stroke of half-time, England fought hard in the second half before Ireland's numbers advantage tolled and Henshaw and Sheehan scored two tries in quick succession. Jamie George did score a consolation try in the 71st minute, but it was too late for England as Herring responded with a try of his own to seal a memorable victory for Ireland in front of their home crowd.
