WALES qualified for the 2021 World Cup in style as they recorded an emphatic 40-8 victory over Ireland at the Racecourse.

Wrexham rugby league fans were treated to a convincing display from John Kear’s Dragons in the European Championship clash.

Tries from Chester Butler, Rhodri Lloyd, Gavin Bennion, Ben Evans, Rhys Williams and Josh Ralph earned a victory that saw Wales finish second in the table behind fellow qualifiers France.

Scott Grix and George King scored tries for Ireland, who along with Scotland must play further qualifiers in 2019 to reach the sport’s showpiece event.

Wales’ impressive win was underpinned by the accurate kicking of James Olds, who added eight goals to boost their points tally.

Butler got Wales on the front foot with an early try, touching down from Ralph’s kick.

Olds added a penalty before Wales produced a second try that was a carbon-copy of the first - though this time it was Elliott Jenkins stabbing the ball in behind Ireland for Lloyd to score.

Bennion then came off the bench to barge through some poor tackling for a third home try and with Olds adding two conversions and a penalty goal, Wales were in charge.

Ireland hit back just before the break through Grix to make it 20-4 at half-time.

But Wales replied soon after the restart when Evans crossed the line before Olds converted and added a penalty goal.

Wrexham-born Williams was winning his 30th Welsh cap on his home turf, bringing him level with the two other record cap holders Jordan James and Ian Watson. And he scored his 22nd international try.

King added a second try for Ireland to give the visitors a flicker of hope.

But Ralph struck back for Wales who finished with 12 men when Morris was sin-binned late on.

But there was still time for Olds to kick his eighth goal and add extra gloss to memorable afternoon.

France were crowned champions after making it three wins out of three in the 2018 European Championship with a 28-10 victory over a spirited Scotland in Carcassonne.

Wigan full-back Morgan Escare was the match-winner for the French with a 20-point haul, scoring two tries and six goals from as many attempts.