Ireland confirm opponents for two World Cup warm-up fixtures

Two chances to see Andy Farrell's side in action before they set off for France.

The IRFU has confirmed the dates and opponents for Ireland's two home World Cup warm-up fixtures. One more game may yet be slated in. Ireland are set to play just three warm-up games - one less than in recent World Cup cycles - with two of them being played at Aviva Stadium. Ireland will first welcome Italy to Dublin, on Saturday, August 5. Ireland defeated Kieran Crowley's men in Rome during the 2023 Six Nations but needed a late Mack Hansen try to seal the result. Two weeks late, August 19, Steve Borthwick's England side will come to Lansdowne Road to pit their wits against the reigning World No.1 and Grand Slam champions. https://twitter.com/IrishRugby/status/1642878998593060865

Ireland's World Cup warm-ups

To date, just two World Cup warm-ups have been confirmed by the IRFU. They may yet play on August 12 but the only other Six Nations side not locked in for a game are Italy. The two nations could face off in back-to-back fixtures. USA and Fiji are expected to be in Europe for warm-up games but matches against them are unlikely as they have not been announced for Aviva Stadium. Another option might be to take on a French club side, like Eddie O'Sullivan's side did in 2007.