CONFIRMED: Ireland versus New Zealand at Soldier Field, Chicago

Here we bloody go.

Irish Rugby is currently licking its wounds after an iffy Six Nations start but there are two Tests against world champions New Zealand to hoop with red pen on you calendar. This November, the reigning Six Nations champions will take on the World Cup-winning All Blacks twice in the space of two weeks. First up, a meeting with the ABs in Chicago's Soldier Field on November 5. On November 19, we welcome Steve Hansen's men to the Aviva Stadium. The Test at the 61,500-seater Soldier Field - home to Chicago Bears - is the one that will have most Irish rugby fans ring-fencing holidays for later this year. The match is part of 'The Rugby Weekend', which will also see the USA Eagles take on the New Zealand Maori on Friday, November 4 at Toyota Park, Chicago. Tickets for the matches will go on sale April 1, but it is recommended that fans visit TheRugbyWeekend.com [when it is officially set up] to sign up for early ticket alerts. IRFU chief executive Philip Browne, commented:

"There is a huge population in the USA who are proud of their Irish heritage as well as large numbers of Irish who have migrated more recently to live and work in the USA. We know that many of these people are Irish Rugby fans and we look forward to seeing them pack out the stadium, alongside some of our passionate travelling fans as we take on the World Champions, New Zealand."

Ireland's November Fixtures

Ireland vs New Zealand Soldier Field, Chicago, Saturday, 5 November KO 15:00 (Irish Time 21:00) Ireland vs Canada Saturday, 12 November KO 17:00 Ireland vs New Zealand Saturday, 19 November KO 17:00 Ireland vs Australia Saturday, 26 November KO 17:00