Ireland will play against Australia in an exclusive Test match in Belfast as part of the 150th anniversary festivities of Irish Rugby. Having been promoted to the top division after placing third in the Women’s Six Nations, Scott Bemand’s team will use the Kingspan Stadium match to prepare for the Canada WXV competition.
Bemand, Ireland’s head coach, declared: “We are pleased to add this Test match into our fixture list at the start of next season, providing the squad with a valuable preparation window ahead of our WXV campaign in September and October.”
Ireland as hosts
The location of the Test, Kingspan Stadium is the home of Ulster Rugby. It staged Ireland’s Six Nations win over Scotland this year alone.
“Australia will be coming off the Pacific Four competition, which kicks off this month. It’s a great chance for us to play an opponent with a different game style…The added backdrop of this match kicking off Irish Rugby’s 150th-anniversary celebrations will make it an occasion to remember. We look forward to getting back up to Belfast where we have received incredible support during the Six Nations,” Bemand added.
Ireland is ranked tenth in the globe, while the Wallaroos from Australia are ranked fifth.
More so, it was originally confirmed that the Ireland men’s team would play Australia at Aviva Stadium later this year as part of the IRFU’s 150th anniversary festivities.
Cover Photo: IG
Source: BCC