Irish Rugby have announced a schedule for next year, when Ireland tour Australia in June. It will be the first three-test visit by Ireland, competing for the Lansdowne Cup away from home for the first time since 2010.
In a media release, IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne commented, “the IRFU are delighted to tour Australia in June 2018.
“Games involving Ireland and Australia are always great occasions and this is will be an exciting tour.”
“The Irish diaspora are renowned for supporting the Irish team when they visit their new homes, so we know there will be a party atmosphere to match the world class rugby.”
Irish Rugby Tour of Australia 2018
- Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane – Saturday, June 9
- AAMI Park, Melbourne – Saturday, June 16
- Allianz Stadium, Sydney – Saturday, June 23.
Current rankings show Australia in third place, with Ireland a place back–but only .3 of a point ahead of South Africa. While rankings change, the rise of Northern Hemisphere teams is evident. And ever since Ireland beat the All Blacks for the very first time, they have gained respect in fans eyes.
A meeting between Ireland and Australia will generate much interest.
Australia and Ireland have met on 33 occasions, with the Wallabies holding the lead in the head-to-head stakes with 21 wins, to Ireland’s 11. Historical clashes have gone through the periods of success for each side. And as Australia exhibit a degree of improvement, then Ireland too show that confidence.
Long Time Rivals Ireland Tour Australia
Foes since November 1927. The 90 years of battle has developed a rivalry to hold the attention of World Rugby fans. Names like O’Driscoll, Campese and Tony O’Reilly. Now the current crop of players can add to the lore.
Keith Earls, Michael Hooper and Tadhg Furlong can make their own impact, in three tests. The two sides can face-off for the first time since 2016, where some say that the Irish stopped Australia from a possible Grand Slam.
While matches like the above have added to the fine history, it is because both sides have similar philosophies and cultures. The hardworking ethic, the ability to use set-play and the ambition to rise above.
2018 should be no different.
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November Internationals Squad Announcement
As well as preparing for 2018, when Ireland tour Australia, closer to home the Irish team face inbound challenges. The Guinness Series will include Internationals against tough opponents South Africa on November 11.
The Springboks will be on a course to repair damage from their 2017 end of year tour, but Ireland hold a good record and in 2015 very nearly staged an away tour victory.
They also play Fiji, that will bring an excitement to Aviva Stadium on November 18. And the enjoyable trifecta of matches ends with Los Pumas bringing their style of play to Ireland, on November 25.
4 uncapped players in Ireland's #GuinnessSeries squad #TeamOfUs https://t.co/lDQ7VFLVPh pic.twitter.com/TCdpWht5a6
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 26, 2017
Those matches add to a flood of domestic rugby in Ireland, as well as future fixtures. Top of that list will be Australia. The fans will follow there heroes downunder, in what might be a high-point on the road to Japan 2019.
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