The dates, venues and kick-off times for Ireland’s three Test matches with the All Blacks in New Zealand this July have been confirmed.
Ireland defeated New Zealand 29-20 in their most recent meeting in the 2021 Autumn Nations Series but have not toured the country since 2012 when they lost all three Tests.
It will be the first time they have toured since Andy Farrell took over as head coach in December 2019 as the Covid pandemic forced the cancellation of tours to Australia in 2020 and Fiji in 2021.
England set for Australia summer tour
The first Test of the tour will take place on Saturday 2nd July at Eden Park, where Ireland have played three Tests previously and lost 27-17 in 2006 in the closest encounter.
That will be followed a week later by the second Test on Saturday 9th July at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, which is also known colloquially as ‘The Glasshouse’.
The venue hosted four games during Rugby World Cup 2011 including Ireland’s final pool game against Italy while Ireland last played New Zealand in Dunedin in 2002 when they lost 15-6.
The tour concludes with the third and final Test against the All Blacks on Saturday 16th July at the SKY Stadium in Wellington, where Ireland lost 21-11 to the hosts in 2006.
Following the 2012 tour to New Zealand, Ireland lost against the All Blacks again in 2013 before finally claiming a first victory in 2016 at the 29th attempt at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The four meetings between the sides since then have been split at two wins a piece, with Ireland victorious again in 2018 in Dublin (16-9) before prevailing at the Aviva Stadium last year.
In addition to the three Test matches against New Zealand, Ireland will also play two mid-week fixtures which have yet to be confirmed.
Ireland Summer Tour Test Matches v New Zealand (KO in Irish time zone shown)
New Zealand v IRELAND, Saturday 2 July, 8.05am, Eden Park, AUCKLAND
New Zealand v IRELAND, Saturday 9 July, 8.05am, Forsyth Barr Stadium, DUNEDIN
New Zealand v IRELAND, Saturday 16 July, 8.05am, Sky Stadium, WELLINGTON
