THE IRFU HAS confirmed that Ireland Women will play a second November Test this year, with a trip to England following the already-confirmed home game against the USA.
Ireland host the US at Donnybrook in Dublin on Sunday 18 November [KO TBC], before they head for Twickenham in London on Saturday 24 November to take on England Women [KO 6.30pm].
After a third-place finish in the 2018 Six Nations, with two wins in five games, Adam Griggs’ team will be keen to make progress this November.
The IRFU turned down an invitation from Rugby Australia to host Ireland Women in a three-Test series against the Wallaroos in June, the idea being to run that series alongside the men’s Tests.
IRFU performance director David Nucifor stated that “the dates on offer didn’t fit with the women’s plan” and pointed to the November Test window as more suitable.
“Our focus at the elite end of the game is on playing two Test matches in November this year. We didn’t play any last year, so rather than coming down here [to Australia] our focus is on giving the girls two matches,” said Nucifora in June.
“They’ll play two internationals in November and that’s a far better preparation for us leading into the Six Nations.”
With England Women currently second in World Rugby’s official rankings and the US in fifth, ninth-ranked Ireland can look forward to two tough Test matches in November.
England’s 33-11 victory over Ireland in Coventry back in March is likely to remain fresh in the memory of Ireland captain Ciara Griffin and her team-mates.
Ireland head coach Griggs welcomed the official confirmation of Ireland’s second November Test against the US.
“It’s great to have the two fixtures confirmed for November and it’s something we’re working hard towards,” said Griggs.
“The USA and England are both top-class opposition which is always who you want to test yourself against. It’s also going to give us invaluable game time under Test-match pressure which will be important as we lead into next year’s Six Nations preparation.
“With the Women’s inter-pros getting underway this weekend, the season is set to get off to a great start. I’m looking forward to seeing all the players who have put in a lot of hard work with their provinces over the pre-season put their hand up for selection over the coming weeks.”
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