Rugby: Belfast to host Ireland Women's clash with Australia
Ireland Women will welcome Australia to the Kingspan Stadium in Belfast this September for a special Test match that will kick off Irish Rugby’s 150th Anniversary celebrations.
Scott Bemand‘s side will take on the Wallaroos, currently fifth in the World Rugby Women’s Rankings, on Saturday September 14th, with the kick off time and ticket details to be confirmed by the IRFU in due course.
The fixture will also serve as important preparation for Ireland ahead of the second edition of WXV this Autumn, with Bemand’s side set to compete in the top tier of the competition in Canada following a third-placed finish in the 2024 Six Nations.
The Kingspan has been a regular host of Women’s Test matches in recent seasons, including Saturday’s memorable victory over Scotland which secured a place in WXV1 and qualification for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Ireland Head Coach Bemand said: “We are really 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.
“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 and we look forward to getting back up to Belfast where we have received incredible support during the Six Nations.”
Ireland Men will also take on Australia in the 150th Anniversary Challenge Match in Dublin’a Aviva Stadium on Saturday November 30th, the fourth and final fixture of the Autumn Nations Series line up for Andy Farrell’s Six Nations champions.