ETHAN Ryan scored a try on his international debut as Ireland beat Scotland 36-10.

The winger was part of the Wolfhounds line-up along with Bulls team-mate Gregg McNally as Stuart Littler got his reign as Ireland coach off to a winning start.

Their European Championship victory - which counts as a 2021 World Cup qualifier - saw Ireland run in seven tries.

Tyrone McCarthy got things going 14 minutes in and further scores followed from Ryan, Declan O'Donnell, former Bull James Bentley, Alan McMahan and two from Wigan's Jack Higginson.

Ryan said: “It’s always a proud moment to make your debut at international level for your country, even more so when you score on your first start and in front of the people who have given you the greatest support as a player.”

Scotland's scores came from debutant Nick Glohe and acting captain Ben Kavanagh.

John Kear's Wales were well beaten 54-18 in France in their European Championship opener at the Stade Albert Domec.

In a game which also doubles as a 2021 World Cup qualifier, the hosts soon moved into a 26-0 lead courtesy of two tries from Paul Marcon and further scores from Hakim Miloudi and Bastien Ader.

Wales, the defending champions, hit back, cutting the gap to 26-12 at half-time following tries from Josh Ralph and former Bull Elliot Kear, but that did not stop France.

Morgan Escare scored twice and Tony Gigot, Rhys Curran and Romain Navarette also crossed in the second half, meaning debutant James Olds' effort for Wales was nothing more than a consolation.

Meanwhile, Bulls duo Amy Hardcastle and Shona Hoyle helped England Women to their crushing 54-4 win over France in Carcasonne. Hardcastle crossed for England's first try.