Ireland women to play Australia in Belfast this autumn

One-off Test match to take place on September 14th ahead of Ireland’s WXV1 campaign in Canada

Ireland will return to the Kingspan Stadium to play Australia in September. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho
Ireland will return to the Kingspan Stadium to play Australia in September. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho

Ireland women are set to play Australia in Belfast as part of their autumn schedule, the IRFU has announced.

The match will take place in the Kingspan Stadium on September 14th and will serve as preparation for the WXV tournament later this year. Ireland will compete in the top division, WXV1, after finishing third in the recent Six Nations.

The kick off time, broadcast arrangements and ticket details for the Australia came are to be confirmed. The contest will form part of the Irish rugby’s 150 year anniversary celebrations.

Ireland played in Belfast last weekend when they defeated Scotland in the final outing of the Six Nations. The result saw them clinch third in the table and a spot at next year’s World Cup.

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“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, said head coach Scott Bemand.

“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.”