Ireland will play a historic first Test match in Newcastle against an overseas side at McDonald Jones Stadium on July 11, the Newcastle Herald understands. The match is wedged between Tests against the Wallabies at Allianz Stadium on July 4 and a blockbuster with the All Blacks at Eden Park, Auckland, on July 18.
It is the first time Ireland will play in Newcastle and part of the nation's preparation for the 2027 World Cup. A large contingent of travelling and Sydney-based Ireland fans are expected to flock to Turton Road. Former ACT Brumbies Mack Hansen and Finlay Bealham are likely to feature in the Irish squad, both having been in the British and Irish Lions squad that toured Australia last year.
Ireland is ranked number three in the world and is fresh from a successful Six Nations tournament where they completed the Triple Crown with wins over England (42-21), Wales (27-17) and Scotland (43-21). However, a 36-14 defeat to France in round one relegated Ireland to second place overall.
Newcastle is becoming a regular destination for big-time rugby. A crowd of 28,132 watched the Wallabies pip Fiji 21-18 at the venue last July. McDonald Jones Stadium will also host four pool games during the 2027 Rugby World Cup, starting with Japan versus Samoa on October 3.
