England’s senior men missed out on a historic back-to-back grand slam after defeat to Ireland – but there was better news for two other England sides.

Ham & High: England's Nick Isiekwe holds off the Ireland defence during the U20's 6 Nations match at Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin. Picture: LIAM MCBURNEY/PA WIREEngland's Nick Isiekwe holds off the Ireland defence during the U20's 6 Nations match at Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin. Picture: LIAM MCBURNEY/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

The U20s got things going on Friday night at Donnybrook in Dublin, clinching their own grand slam with a hard-fought 14-10 success.

And that was followed by the women coming out on top in the winner-takes-all clash, the 34-7 win claiming the Six Nations title as well as the grand slam.

Saracens’ Jack Nay scored the U20s opening try before Henry Walker added number two.

The Allianz Park-based side were also represented by Max Malins, who converted both tries, Nick Isiekwe and Ralph Adams-Hale.

Ham & High: England captain Sarah Hunter lifts the Six Nations trophy. Picture: LIAM MCBURNEY/PA WIREEngland captain Sarah Hunter lifts the Six Nations trophy. Picture: LIAM MCBURNEY/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

And they hung on despite Ireland scoring a converted try of their own in the second half.

It was England’s first grand slam at this level since 2011.

Captain Zach Mercer said: “We showed a huge amount of belief in the way we performed. We were resilient and Ireland put us under pressure but I knew we would pull through because this team has that confidence. We have put in a lot of hard work.”

The match was followed by England’s women who went into the game with four wins, the same as their hosts.

Ham & High: Ireland's Ailis Egan tackles England's Tamara Taylor during the Women's 6 Nations match at Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin. Picture: LIAM MCBURNEY/PA WIREIreland's Ailis Egan tackles England's Tamara Taylor during the Women's 6 Nations match at Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin. Picture: LIAM MCBURNEY/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

And after a tight first-half, that England just edged 5-0 thanks to an Amy Wilson-Hardy score, they showed their strength in depth, running in a further four tries.

It will give England a huge boost ahead of the defence of their World Cup crown back in Ireland in August.

Head coach Simon Middleton said: “The difference between winning and not winning this match would have been huge. To win the Six Nations was a major target for us and we’ve done it with a Grand Slam.

“It gives us a springboard and it keeps our winning mentality going. It also gives us confidence that what we’re doing is right.

Ham & High: England's Owen Farrell is tackled by Ireland's Sean O'Brien during the RBS 6 Nations match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Picture: BRIAN LAWLESS/PA WIREEngland's Owen Farrell is tackled by Ireland's Sean O'Brien during the RBS 6 Nations match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Picture: BRIAN LAWLESS/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

“We know we can get better, fitter and stronger.”

But there was to be no clean sweep with the men beaten 13-9 on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.

Three penalties by Owen Farrell were all England could muster as an Iain Henderson try ended their record-equalling 18 successive wins.

It meant muted celebrations as they picked up the RBS 6 Nations title on the pitch after the game.